Sri Lanka welcomed a new era on Monday, September 23, as Anura Kumara Dissanayake, popularly known as AKD, was sworn in as the ninth President of the island nation. Dissanayake, the 56-year-old leader of the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), ascended to the presidency after defeating Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) in the Sri Lanka Elections 2024. His victory marks a historical moment, as he is the first leader from a Marxist party to hold this prestigious office.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. Shortly after the swearing-in, Chinese President Xi Jinping extended his congratulations to the newly elected President. This gesture highlights the strong bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and China, with China being one of the country’s largest lenders.
Anura Dissanayake’s political journey has been intertwined with his pro-China leanings. In 2023, he visited China and engaged with Chinese officials, discussing bilateral ties. This pro-China stance has sparked debate, as it potentially impacts India’s interests in the region.
One of the most prominent examples of China’s influence in Sri Lanka is the Hambantota port, which was taken over by China on a 99-year lease through a debt swap. Dissanayake’s past actions, including his stance on the 13th amendment of the Sri Lankan Constitution, which aims to devolve powers to the Tamil minority, have further fueled concerns regarding India’s influence. India has long advocated for the implementation of this amendment.
The JVP, Dissanayake’s party, has a history of anti-India and pro-China sentiments. The party’s founder, the late Rohana Wijeweera, openly criticized what he termed ‘Indian expansionism’ in the 1980s, even going so far as to portray India as an ‘enemy’ to Sri Lankan interests.
In his inaugural address to the nation, President Dissanayake emphasized the need for international cooperation, acknowledging that Sri Lanka cannot remain isolated. He stated that he is not a magician but aims to be part of a collective effort to address the country’s ongoing economic crisis. The new President faces a daunting task in steering Sri Lanka out of its current economic difficulties, while navigating the complex geopolitical landscape that is shaped by the influence of both China and India.
