Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the Marxist-leaning National People’s Power coalition, became the President of Sri Lanka on Monday. The ceremony took place at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, where Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya administered the oath of office.
Dissanayake’s victory marks a significant shift in Sri Lankan politics, as voters decisively rejected the country’s severe economic crisis. He often referred to by his initials AKD, has promised a new era of clean politics and good governance.
New Era in Sri Lankan Politics
In his inaugural speech, Dissanayake emphasized the need for unity and collective effort to overcome the nation’s challenges. “We need to establish a new clean political culture,” he stated. “I commit to achieving this. We will do the utmost to win back the people’s respect and trust in the political system”.
The election, held on Saturday, saw Dissanayake secure 5,740,179 votes, surpassing opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, who garnered 4,530,902 votes. The election was the first since 2022, a year marked by mass protests and the ousting of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa due to widespread discontent over the economic situation.
Dissanayake’s campaign focused on anti-corruption measures, economic reforms, and the development of key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and IT. He also pledged to continue working with the IMF to mitigate the economic crisis while protecting the country’s poorest.
Dissanayake reiterated his commitment to unity, stating, “The unity of Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, and all Sri Lankans is the bedrock of this new beginning”.
His promise to dissolve the current parliament and appoint a new cabinet signals a fresh start for the island nation3.
About Anura Kumara Dissanayake
Anura Kumara Dissanayake, born in 1968, has been a prominent figure in Sri Lankan politics for decades. As the head of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) party, he has been a vocal advocate for social justice and economic reforms. His presidency is a beacon of hope for many Sri Lankans seeking change and stability.
Dissanayake’s presidency represents a new chapter for Sri Lanka, one that promises transparency, unity, and progress. As the nation looks forward to a brighter future, the new president’s actions in the coming months will be crucial in determining the country’s path forward.
