The people’s president: Anura Kumara Dissanayake becomes Sri Lanka’s new leader!

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Sri Lanka (Commonweath Union)_ Sri Lankan politician Anura Kumara Dissanayake has made history by becoming the 9th President of Sri Lanka, following the nation’s first-ever presidential election run-off on September 22. Dissanayake, a prominent leftist politician, contested the election under the National People’s Power (NPP) alliance and is the leader of the Janata Vimukti Peramuna (People’s Liberation Front).

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The historic election outcome

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In a decisive victory, Dissanayake defeated his closest rival, Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, securing 5,740,179 votes, or 42.3% of the total. Premadasa garnered 4,530,902 votes, representing 32.8%. This election was particularly significant as no candidate achieved the requisite majority in the initial round, necessitating a second round of counting, a first in Sri Lankan electoral history. Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe was ousted early in the process, failing to place among the top two candidates in the first round. Furthermore, Dissanayake’s victory comes at a crucial juncture for Sri Lanka, following a period marked by an economic crisis and a popular uprising that led to the ousting of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022. Known affectionately as AKD, Dissanayake’s triumph represents a call for change and unity among the diverse ethnic groups in the country.

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A message of unity and gratitude

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Upon his victory, Dissanayake expressed heartfelt gratitude to his supporters via a post on X . He emphasized that this achievement was not solely his own, but the result of collective efforts by thousands of Sri Lankans who rallied for change. He penned, “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. This victory belongs to all of us.” He further added, “The unity of Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, and all Sri Lankans is the bedrock of this new beginning. The New Renaissance we seek will rise from this shared strength and vision. Let us join hands and shape this future together!” He also urged the nation to come together to shape a brighter future.

Election dynamics and counting process

The election, held in the wake of an economic crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, was characterized by intense public interest and voter turnout. Dissanayake’s victory, with a margin of 1.27 million votes over Premadasa, reflects the electorate’s desire for substantial reforms. Notably, the incumbent president, Wickremesinghe, finished third, highlighting a significant shift in voter sentiment.

Messages of congratulations

Following the election results, both Wickremesinghe and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended their congratulations to Dissanayake. Wickremesinghe acknowledged the challenges he faced during his tenure and expressed hope that Dissanayake would continue efforts to revive Sri Lanka’s economy. Modi’s message underscored the importance of Sri Lanka in India’s strategic interests, emphasizing a commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. Dissanayake responded to Modi’s congratulatory message, reaffirming his intent to enhance cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. His focus on fostering strong international relations is a pivotal aspect of his administration. Dissanayake said, “Thank you, Prime Minister Modi, for your kind words and support. I share your commitment to strengthening the ties between our nations. Together, we can work towards enhancing cooperation for the benefit of our peoples and the entire region”.

The swearing-in ceremony

On September 23, Dissanayake was officially sworn in as president at the historic Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. The ceremony, attended by lawmakers, military officials, and members of the Buddhist clergy, was marked by the singing of the national anthem. Dissanayake, 55, expressed his commitment to restoring public faith in politics, stating, “I will do my best to fully restore the people’s confidence in politicians.” He added, “I am not a conjurer, I am not a magician. There are things I know and things I don’t know, but I will seek the best advice and do my best. For that, I need the support of everyone.” Acknowledging the challenges ahead, he emphasized the need for collective support from all sectors of society.

Dissanayake’s policy agenda

Dissanayake’s administration is poised to tackle significant economic challenges. His party has indicated a desire to form its own cabinet until a fresh parliament is elected later this year, despite holding only three seats in the current 225-member legislature. His plans include advancing the International Monetary Fund (IMF) rescue package while seeking modifications to its terms to facilitate tax cuts. Additionally, the former agriculture minister’s campaign was characterized by promises of anti-corruption measures and expansive welfare programs, resonating with voters disillusioned by the economic turmoil. Dissanayake’s platform reflects a blend of traditional leftist policies with more centrist approaches, aimed at addressing the immediate needs of the populace.

Who is Anura Kumara Dissanayake?

Anura Kumara Dissanayake was born on November 24, 1968, in Thambuthegama, a village in the Anuradhapura district, North Central Province. He hails from humble beginnings as the son of a labourer and a housewife. Educated as a physical science graduate, Dissanayake’s political journey began in student politics with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) in 1987. He has been a Member of Parliament since 2000 and previously served as the Opposition Whip. He also served as the agriculture minister from 2004 to 2005, and contested the presidential election in 2019. Dissanayake’s involvement in the 2022 anti-government protests, known as ‘Aragalaya’, showcased his ability to galvanize public support against the backdrop of a severe economic crisis. His political experience and advocacy for pro-poor policies position him as a leader who aims to address the pressing needs of Sri Lanka’s citizens.

The people’s president

Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s election as President of Sri Lanka marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape. His victory not only reflects the desire for change among the electorate but also underscores the necessity for unity in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the country. As he embarks on this new chapter as the people’s president, Dissanayake’s leadership will be closely watched both domestically and internationally, with hopes for a brighter and more equitable future for all Sri Lankans.

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