New York mayor Mamdani advice to Sri Lankan community goes viral

In a recent Instagram and TikTok post, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani connected warmly with the Sri Lankan community through a casual street-side conversation. Walking alongside Sri Lankan comedian Shenuque, Mamdani engaged in a relaxed and personable chat that blended humour, culture, and civic reflection.

During the exchange, Mamdani referenced Sri Lanka’s legendary cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan and his famous doosra, a delivery that appears to spin one way before sharply turning the other, often deceiving even the most experienced batters. The analogy was both playful and pointed. Just as Muralitharan mastered unpredictability through skill and discipline, Mamdani suggested that navigating civic life particularly for immigrant communities requires awareness, strategy, and understanding the rules of the system and ‘be prepared and never let them know the next move’.

The informal setting of the conversation made the message more relatable. Rather than delivering a formal speech, Mamdani chose a conversational approach, reinforcing his connection to South Asian and immigrant communities. His remarks encouraged people to stay informed, confident, and engaged, especially when dealing with complex systems that may not always operate as they first appear much like the deceptive brilliance of the doosra.

The exchange resonated strongly with Sri Lankan viewers, combining cultural pride with practical advice, and demonstrating how leadership can be both grounded and globally aware. Watch the heart warming clip here:

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNRPAL7CV/