Sri Lanka has a new president following its first election since the economic collapse in 2022, which led to the resignation of then-prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a 55-year-old Marxist politician, was elected president on 22 September 2024, defeating opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and, unexpectedly, Wickremesinghe once again.
Background
Dissanayake’s election marks a significant shift in Sri Lankan politics. He is known for his anti-establishment stance and leadership of the Janatha Vimukti Peramuna (JVP), a Marxist political party. The JVP, which engaged in armed violence against the Sri Lankan government from 1987 to 1989, has a controversial history marked by raids and assassinations, resulting in thousands of deaths. Despite this, Dissanayake apologised for the group’s violent past in a 2014 interview with the BBC. The JVP currently holds just three seats in parliament but is part of the National People’s Power alliance, which Dissanayake leads.
Promised action on corruption
Dissanayake secured over 5.7 million votes by campaigning on an anti-corruption platform and promising to renegotiate the terms of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal to ease austerity measures on the working population. He also pledged to cut taxes and expand welfare measures, addressing the high cost of living and economic concerns that voters blamed on the previous government. Despite his leftist background, Dissanayake adopted a moderate tone during his campaign, committing to repay Sri Lanka’s debt and work with the IMF on necessary changes.
In a Twitter (now X) post following his victory, Dissanayake called for unity among Muslims, Tamils, Sinhalese, and all Sri Lankans. “The dream we have nurtured for centuries is finally coming true. This achievement is not the result of any single person’s work, but the collective effort of hundreds of thousands of you. Your commitment has brought us this far, and for that, I am deeply grateful,” he wrote.
International reactions
Dissanayake’s victory has garnered international attention, including congratulations from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi emphasised the importance of Sri Lanka in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR, expressing his eagerness to strengthen multifaceted cooperation between the two nations.
Future implications
Dissanayake’s presidency could signal a new direction for Sri Lanka, especially in terms of economic policy and international relations. His commitment to anti-corruption and economic reform will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally. The success of his administration will likely depend on his ability to balance his Marxist principles with pragmatic governance to address the pressing economic challenges facing Sri Lanka.
