Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the leader of the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), has been sworn in as the ninth President of Sri Lanka. His victory marks a historic moment, as he is the first Marxist party leader to hold this office. Notably, Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Dissanayake shortly after his inauguration, highlighting the close ties between the two nations. Dissanayake’s pro-China stance, which has raised concerns regarding India’s interests, remains a key aspect of his presidency.
Results for: JVP
Sri Lanka’s presidential election on September 21st features familiar faces from prominent political families, but one candidate stands out: Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the JVP. Dissanayake, with his grassroots appeal and anti-corruption platform, has resonated with segments of Sri Lankan society, positioning him as a potential frontrunner. However, he faces challenges, including the JVP’s past violence, strained ties with India, and the need to break the hold of established political parties.