**Anura Kumara Dissanayake Elected Sri Lanka’s Next President Amid Economic Crisis**
Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a left-leaning politician, has been elected as Sri Lanka’s new president following a historic election. The 55-year-old emerged victorious over his closest competitor, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, after a second round of counting that included second-preference votes. Outgoing president Ranil Wickremesinghe finished in third place.
Dissanayake’s victory marks a stunning turnaround, having secured only 3% of the vote in the 2019 election. Running as the candidate for the National People's Power (NPP) alliance, his growing popularity stems from his anti-corruption stance and pro-poor policies, particularly in the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s devastating economic collapse in 2022. Now, he faces the challenge of leading a nation still reeling from the crisis, with citizens eagerly awaiting change.
### Who is Anura Kumara Dissanayake?
#### From Marxist Roots to Presidency
Born on November 24, 1968, in Galewela, a diverse town in central Sri Lanka, Dissanayake hails from a middle-class background and holds a degree in physics. His political career began as a student activist during the turbulent period surrounding the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Agreement, which sparked violent conflict.
Dissanayake later became closely associated with the Marxist Janatha Vimukti Peramuna (JVP), a party that led a violent insurrection against the Sri Lankan government from 1987 to 1989. During this period, thousands of lives were lost in attacks on both political opponents and civilians. Dissanayake, who became the JVP’s leader in 2008, has since apologized for the violence committed during what is known as the "season of terror."
“A lot of things happened during the armed conflict that should not have happened,” Dissanayake said in a 2014 interview with the BBC. “We are always deeply saddened and shocked about that.”
The JVP currently holds only three seats in parliament, but it is part of the broader NPP coalition that Dissanayake now leads.
### A Leader for Change
Dissanayake’s campaign focused on addressing some of Sri Lanka’s darkest moments, including the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which killed at least 290 people. Despite the attack being the deadliest in the nation’s history, investigations into the event have remained incomplete. Dissanayake promised to launch a full inquiry, suggesting that previous authorities may have avoided revealing their own roles in the security failures that led to the attacks.
During his campaign, Dissanayake positioned himself as a candidate for change, speaking out against the unfulfilled promises of past leaders. He criticized politicians for perpetuating corruption, deepening the nation’s debt crisis, and undermining the rule of law. "This is exactly why the people of this country want different leadership. We are the ones who can provide it," he declared.
### Economic Meltdown and the Path Forward
Dissanayake’s victory comes at a time of deep economic turmoil in Sri Lanka, which led to the ousting of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022. The country has been plagued by debt, with public debt exceeding $83 billion, inflation soaring to 70%, and foreign exchange reserves drying up due to years of mismanagement, under-taxation, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dissanayake’s policy platform includes anti-corruption measures, expanded welfare programs, and a reduction in taxes—measures aimed at alleviating the economic pressure on ordinary citizens. These promises resonated with voters, many of whom have been struggling to cope with the austerity measures imposed by the previous government to stabilize the economy.
Soumya Bhowmick, an associate fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, noted that economic concerns were at the forefront of voters' minds. "The country's soaring inflation, skyrocketing cost-of-living, and poverty have left the electorate desperate for solutions to stabilize prices and improve livelihoods."
While Dissanayake’s economic policies have sparked concerns among some investors and market participants, he has reassured the public that he is committed to repaying the country’s debt in consultation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which has provided financial support to help Sri Lanka’s recovery.
### A New Era for Sri Lanka
With voter turnout reaching 76%, Dissanayake’s win has been hailed by supporters of both his rivals, including outgoing president Wickremesinghe and opposition leader Premadasa. Foreign Minister Ali Sabry acknowledged Dissanayake’s victory on social media, writing, "Though I heavily campaigned for President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the people of Sri Lanka have made their decision, and I fully respect their mandate for Anura Kumara Dissanayake."
Premadasa supporters also congratulated Dissanayake, with MP Harsha de Silva stating, "We campaigned hard for Sajith Premadasa but it was not to be. It is now clear Anura Kumara Dissanayake will be the new President of Sri Lanka."
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) spokesman MA Sumanthiran praised Dissanayake for securing an "impressive win" without resorting to divisive tactics based on race or religion.
As Sri Lanka moves forward, Dissanayake faces the monumental task of restoring economic stability and public confidence. Many see his election as a pivotal moment in the country’s journey toward recovery and a potential new chapter in its political landscape.
