Marxist Dissayanake Takes Oath as Sri Lankan President Following Electoral Triumph
Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the socialist JVP-led National People’s Power coalition, has been inaugurated as the 10th president of Sri Lanka after winning the recent election. Dissanayake, 55, secured victory over Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sajith Premadasa, and 36 other contenders. His coalition includes a mix of academics, artists, lawyers, students, and other professionals, presenting an alternative to the longstanding political establishment in Sri Lanka.
The JVP, a Marxist, Sinhalese nationalist party within the coalition, rose to democratic engagement in 1994 after participating in failed uprisings in the ’70s and ’80s. Despite the JVP’s turbulent past, Dissanayake’s campaign focused on anti-corruption measures and better social welfare, winning him over 5.7 million votes in the election.
Saturday’s election reflected a geographical divide, with the Sinhalese-majority regions supporting Dissanayake while the north and east, where the Tamil minority resides, backing Premadasa. The election followed a period of economic crisis in Sri Lanka, exacerbated by excessive borrowing, failed projects, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dissanayake’s victory marks a significant shift in Sri Lankan politics, promising a renegotiation of the country’s debt restructuring program with the International Monetary Fund. Despite the JVP’s violent past, Dissanayake’s focus on addressing people’s needs and offering a departure from traditional politics resonated with voters, leading to his successful election as president.
As Sri Lanka transitions to a new leadership under Dissanayake, the country looks forward to potential reforms and initiatives aimed at addressing the economic challenges and improving the well-being of its citizens.
