Anura Kumara Dissanayake Declared Winner of Sri Lanka’s 2024 Presidential Election

Colombo, Sri Lanka — In a landmark victory, Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the National People’s Power (NPP) has won the 2024 Sri Lankan presidential election, securing 42.31% of the vote. Dissanayake, a leftist politician known for his anti-elite and pro-working class stance, triumphed in a runoff against Sajith Premadasa, who garnered 34%. The incumbent President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, was eliminated in the first round.

Dissanayake’s platform focused on addressing economic recovery, social justice, and dismantling the political elite system that many believe contributed to Sri Lanka’s economic crisis in 2022. His strong support among youth voters and those disillusioned with the political status quo played a significant role in his success.

The election saw high voter turnout (around 76%) amid hopes for a new chapter in the nation’s history. Dissanayake has called for national unity across ethnic lines, aiming to heal the divisions between Sinhalese, Tamils, and Muslims. He now faces the enormous challenge of guiding the country through its IMF-backed recovery and addressing long-standing grievances.

The new president faces considerable challenges ahead, including the ongoing economic recovery under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout and the need for political stability. The economic crisis, exacerbated by mismanagement and the COVID-19 pandemic, left Sri Lanka grappling with shortages of essentials like fuel and medicine. Dissanayake has emphasized national unity and economic reform in his post-election statements, but he will need to navigate the complex task of restoring public trust and ensuring transparency.

Sri Lanka’s economic challenges include tackling high inflation, restoring foreign reserves, and stabilizing the government following years of political upheaval. Dissanayake has vowed to prioritize economic reforms and transparency in his administration, though he faces a divided parliament and public expectations for swift change.

This election is significant for Sri Lanka, as it marks a pivotal moment following the severe economic crisis of 2022, which left the country defaulting on its debt. Dissanayake, who campaigned on a pro-working class, anti-elite platform, particularly gained support from younger voters and those disillusioned with the traditional political elites. His victory signals a shift in the political landscape as the country seeks to rebuild from economic instability.