Colombo: In a historic political turn, 55-year-old Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the leftist People’s Liberation Front (JVP), has been declared the winner of Sri Lanka’s presidential election. He is set to be sworn in as the new president on Monday. Dissanayake took to X (formerly Twitter), expressing gratitude to his supporters, declaring, “This victory belongs to all of us.”
This election marks a significant milestone for Sri Lanka, being the first presidential race since the country’s devastating economic collapse and political upheaval that saw mass protests and the ousting of former leaders. Dissanayake’s rise to power has been fueled by his active role in the protests against the government one and a half years ago. During that time, widespread discontent over soaring inflation, power cuts, and shortages of essentials saw citizens rise against the ruling elites.
Notably, this is a dramatic turnaround for Dissanayake and his party. In the last election, the JVP secured only 3% of the vote. Now, supported by the wave of anti-establishment sentiment and public frustration over political corruption, he clinched the presidency with 42.31% of the vote, as per the Election Commission’s announcement. His closest competitor, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, finished second with 32.76% of the vote.
Outgoing President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who took office during the height of the economic crisis, has not yet conceded. However, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry acknowledged the defeat, stating it was clear that Dissanayake had emerged victorious.
Dissanayake’s victory is also seen as a potential shift in Sri Lanka’s international alliances. Known for his leftist ideology and support for closer ties with China, his leadership could reshape the island nation’s foreign policy, particularly as it navigates its economic recovery and seeks international support.
The country now waits to see how Dissanayake, once a vocal critic of the ruling class, will lead Sri Lanka out of its turbulent recent past and into what he promises will be a new era of governance.
