Sri Lanka is gearing up for its presidential election on September 21st, and while many familiar faces from the country’s most prominent political families are in the running, one candidate stands out: Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) party. Dissanayake, with his unassuming demeanor and strong people skills, has managed to capture the attention of the Sri Lankan people, becoming a potential frontrunner in the race. His confidence is palpable, as he was quoted saying, “Our victory is assured, we will definitely form the government by winning the presidency in the 22nd morning.”
Dissanayake’s appeal stems from his humble roots. Born into a middle-class family in Thambuttegama, a village in the Anuradhapura district, he graduated with a science degree from the University of Kelaniya. His early involvement in student politics led him to join the JVP during its anti-government movement between 1987 and 1989. This period witnessed a bloody armed uprising against the government, with widespread killings and political assassinations becoming commonplace. The state responded with brutal force, ultimately crushing the rebellion, resulting in the death of at least 60,000 people, including JVP founder Rohana Wijeweera.
Despite this violent past, Dissanayake rose through the ranks of the JVP, becoming the national organizer of the Socialist Students Association, a member of the party’s political bureau, and eventually, its leader. In 2000, he entered parliament and in 2014 became the party chief. He has since apologized for the JVP’s past crimes, stating in an interview with the BBC, “We must look at the past, learn from it, and move on.” This apology was a significant moment, as it was the first and last time the JVP acknowledged its role in the violence.
Dissanayake’s current campaign centers around tackling corruption, a key issue resonating with the Sri Lankan people. He presents himself as a change-maker, seeking to address the country’s economic woes and the breakdown of law and order. He has found strong support among university students, teachers, and the working class, who are tired of the status quo and yearn for a fresh start.
Beyond anti-corruption, Dissanayake has outlined his economic plans, including renegotiating terms with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to alleviate pressure on the public. He supports selective foreign investment and aims to shift Sri Lanka back to a British-style parliamentary democracy, dismantling the current presidential system.
However, Dissanayake faces significant challenges in his bid for the presidency. He needs to overcome the long-standing dominance of the United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), which have held sway in the country for decades. Currently, the JVP holds only three seats in parliament, making its task uphill.
Furthermore, while popular among students and the working class, Dissanayake struggles to connect with the country’s elites, who tend to favor incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The JVP’s violent past continues to haunt the party, with concerns about potential resurgence of violence under Dissanayake’s leadership. His ties with India and the war-affected Tamils in the country also remain a point of contention, with the JVP historically viewed as pro-China.
Despite these hurdles, Dissanayake remains optimistic, emphasizing the widespread support he has received from all segments of Sri Lankan society, including Tamil and Muslim minorities. He promises a true Sri Lankan government, a vision that resonates with many who yearn for change and unity. The outcome of the election on September 21st will reveal whether Dissanayake’s promises can resonate with the Sri Lankan public and propel him to the presidency.
