Sri Lanka has chosen a new leader, with Marxist-leaning lawmaker Anura Kumara Dissanayake set to become the next President. The results of the presidential election, held on September 21, 2024, show Dissanayake securing a decisive victory, marking a significant shift in Sri Lankan politics.
Dissanayake, known as AKD, leads two political parties – the People’s Liberation Front (JVP) and the National People’s Power (NPP). He rose to prominence on his promise to overhaul Sri Lanka’s political culture, which he viewed as riddled with corruption. His campaign resonated with many Sri Lankans, as he presented himself as a candidate of change, pledging to dissolve parliament within 45 days of assuming office and seeking a fresh mandate for his policies through general elections.
The 56-year-old Dissanayake received a commanding 7,27,000 votes, representing 52 percent of the total count. His closest competitor, 57-year-old Sajith Premadasa, the main opposition leader, garnered 333,000 votes (23 percent). The incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who assumed office amidst the 2022 economic crisis, trailed far behind with 2,35,000 votes (16 percent).
Dissanayake’s victory comes at a time when Sri Lanka grapples with its worst economic crisis in recent history. His party, known for its pro-state interventionist and closed-market economic policies, has pledged to renegotiate the terms of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) rescue package, which Wickremesinghe had secured last year.
Dissanayake’s stance on India has been a subject of discussion, with some fearing his Marxist-Leninist leanings might tilt him towards China. However, in an interview, he clarified that his visits to India and China were on invitations from their respective governments and the costs were borne by them. Professor Anil Jayantha, a member of the NPP national executive committee, further affirmed that the party and its leader aim to engage with India, considering it a crucial neighbor and superpower.
The election results signal a significant shift in Sri Lanka’s political landscape, with Dissanayake’s victory potentially ushering in a new era of economic and political direction. The coming days and months will be crucial as Dissanayake navigates the challenges facing Sri Lanka and translates his campaign promises into tangible action.
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