A new Colombo Plan for a New Sri Lanka

Despite some rumours of a planned coup, the transfer of power so far has been peaceful and dignified, as it should be in a democracy.

Now the real test is whether the new regime can live up to the high expectations it has generated.

Sri Lanka is an economy that on paper is growing but in practice is a shambles, with deep inequality and recent infrastructure investments widely believed to be underpinned by corrupt business deals, poorly structured loans and politicians on the take.

The local media is acting like it is newly liberated, suddenly shining a light on dubious dealings that it had swept under the carpet ever since the January 2009 murder of a famous journalist, Lasantha Wickrematunge, whose Sunday Leader newspaper had exposed corruption. Whether the media will maintain a healthy independence or come under the sway of the new government is yet to be seen, but optimism is undeniably in the air.

In a workshop with young leaders in a local Colombo community, held two weeks after the election, the discussion started slowly, because of a lack of experience in being consulted, but grew into a feverish pitch of excitement about the possibilities for Sri Lanka. Young women and men talked passionately about the need for good governance to help the poor through education, housing, healthcare, promoting the nation's products and protecting the environment. Most of all, they long for unity of the people. It's a tall order but to look at the sparkle in the eyes of Sri Lankans is to know that they will make it happen if they are given a chance.