Anura Kumara Dissanayake Emerges Victorious as Sri Lanka's President in Post-Protest Elections

Left-leaning figure Anura Kumara Dissanayake has emerged victorious in the presidential election in Sri Lanka.

The election, conducted on Saturday, marked the first since widespread protests in 2022 led to the ousting of Sri Lanka’s former leader Gotabaya Rajapaksa during a period of unprecedented economic turmoil.

According to the Election Commission, Mr. Dissanayake garnered 42% of the counted votes, trailed by opposition leader Sajith Premadasa with 32%, and the current President Ranil Wickremesinghe at 17%.

While official results are pending, Mr. Dissanayake, who heads the National People’s Power coalition, proclaimed his electoral win on X, stating: “This victory belongs to all of us.”

The 55-year-old, known for his pro-working class stance and opposition to the political elite, has gained significant popularity among the youth, contrasting sharply with his performance in the 2019 presidential elections when he secured just over 3% of the vote.

Sri Lanka has a new president – and he’s different

As Anura Kumara Dissanayake, affectionately referred to as AKD, assumes the presidency of Sri Lanka, he is fully cognizant of the formidable challenges ahead.

The nation is grappling with a debilitating economy, and its populace is enduring one of the most severe cost-of-living crises in recent history.

Mr. Dissanayake’s political journey began in university politics, ascending through the ranks of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a party rooted in Marxist-Leninist ideology.

The JVP’s violent rebellion against the state in 1988 was ultimately suppressed.

In retribution, there were horrendous assassinations, including of political rivals, ordinary civil servants, and dissenters orchestrated by party affiliates. The government’s response was deadly.

Many from the older generation vividly remember these atrocities.

Consequently, Mr. Dissanayake must assuage the fears of his critics and demonstrate he embodies leadership for all.

There is considerable apprehension and distrust surrounding the Marxist principles of his party and their compatibility with international organizations that have assisted Sri Lanka during its bankruptcy.

Bimal Ratnayake, an executive member of the party, conveyed to Sky News: “we have already declared our intent to stay within the IMF’s framework, but while we are on this path, we will discuss potential modifications with them.”

“But all these discussions will be mutually agreed upon.”

Criticism arises regarding the inexperience of both the leadership and the party.

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, a potential candidate for Prime Minister, responded in an interview with Sky News, stating, “we don’t have experience in driving the country to bankruptcy… but we are certain to gain expertise in nation-building”.

The younger generation has been the most passionate advocates of AKD.

They yearn for transformation, seeking a departure from the dynastic families that have dominated the political landscape for decades. Their fervent support emerged in full force for this change.

The nation is eager to turn the page – and it has achieved this goal.

For AKD, securing the election victory may prove to be less challenging than the future obstacles he will face in his presidency.

He succeeds Mr. Wickremesinghe, who assumed office following Mr. Rajapaksa’s resignation in 2022 amid extensive protests due to the unprecedented economic crisis Sri Lanka encountered.

Mr. Wickremesinghe’s foreign minister, Ali Sabry, extended congratulations to Mr. Dissanayake on X, expressing hope that he will “govern with a genuine commitment to transparency, integrity, and the long-term welfare of the nation”.

Mr. Sabry added: “I wish Mr. Dissanayake and his team every success in their endeavors to propel Sri Lanka forward.”

Mr. Premadasa has yet to concede defeat.

Sri Lanka’s crisis primarily stemmed from excessive borrowing for projects that failed to yield revenue.

The economic disaster resulted in dire shortages of essential goods such as medicines, food, cooking gas, and fuel, causing residents to wait in long queues for extended periods to obtain these necessities.

This led to outbreaks of violence, during which demonstrators seized important government buildings, including the president’s residence, his office, and the prime minister’s office, which compelled Mr. Rajapaksa to flee the country and resign.

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Anura Kumara Dissanayake Emerges Victorious as Sri Lanka’s President in Post-Protest Elections

Sri Lanka has a new president – and he’s different

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