Sri Lanka’s newly elected president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has officially taken office, pledging to introduce a “clean” political environment as the nation grapples with the aftermath of its most severe economic crisis.
Dissanayake’s victory is seen as a significant shift away from the corruption and nepotism that have historically plagued Sri Lankan politics. His inauguration marks the first election since widespread protests in 2022 forced former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign amid public outcry over economic mismanagement.
In his inaugural address, Dissanayake emphasized the need to establish a new political culture focused on integrity and accountability. “We must earn the respect and trust of the people in the political system,” he stated, emphasizing that true democracy goes beyond the appointment of leaders.
At 55 years old, Dissanayake, also known as AKD, committed to strengthening Sri Lanka’s democratic foundations. “I am not a magician – I am an ordinary citizen,” he acknowledged, vowing to surround himself with skilled individuals to drive the nation’s recovery.
Highlighting Sri Lanka’s diversity, Dissanayake received blessings from Buddhist leaders, as well as representatives from the Muslim, Hindu, and Christian communities during his oath-taking ceremony. He underlined that unity among all Sri Lankans would be essential for a successful new beginning.
Throughout his campaign, Dissanayake championed good governance and stringent anti-corruption measures, pledging to focus on developing key sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, and IT. He also expressed commitment to maintaining a partnership with the International Monetary Fund to navigate the ongoing economic crisis while alleviating austerity impacts on the nation’s poorest citizens.
The political landscape shifted before Dissanayake’s inauguration as Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena resigned, facilitating the dissolution of parliament. Dissanayake indicated intentions to disband the current parliament, stating that it no longer reflected the populace’s will.
With the election results stretching into a second round, Dissanayake garnered a total of 5,740,179 votes, defeating opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, who received 4,530,902 votes. This election is seen as one of the closest in Sri Lanka’s history, with voters showing a strong desire for systemic change post-crisis.
Dissanayake’s anti-corruption stance resonated deeply with the electorate, particularly in light of the widespread discontent sparked by the economic collapse that led to public protests. His political party, the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), was historically viewed with skepticism due to its violent past in the late 20th century, but has since moderated its approach and gained traction during recent protests known as Aragalaya, which means struggle in Sinhala.
The new president faces a monumental challenge ahead in revitalizing Sri Lanka’s economy and lifting millions out of poverty. The country’s significant economic downturn, triggered by policy failures, under-taxation, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, has left many citizens struggling with skyrocketing prices for essential goods.
Experts note that restoring economic stability will be critical for Dissanayake’s success. His predecessors initiated a $2.9 billion agreement with the IMF aimed at implementing necessary reforms, a process that Dissanayake is expected to continue as he navigates the complexities of national debt restructuring and economic recovery efforts.
