Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake was sworn in as the nation’s president, promising to lead the country towards a future of “clean” politics and economic rejuvenation. The left-leaning leader, popularly known as AKD, took office on Saturday with a bold vision to address the economic turmoil that has gripped Sri Lanka since its worst crisis in decades. His victory signals a rejection of the political corruption and cronyism that many believe have led the island nation into financial collapse.
Dissanayake’s rise to power was underscored by his commitment to creating a political system based on transparency and integrity, resonating deeply with voters across the country. The new president has styled himself as a disruptor of the entrenched political status quo, a figure capable of steering Sri Lanka out of the corruption-plagued governance that has dominated for decades.
“We need to establish a new clean political culture,” Dissanayake stated during his inauguration speech. “I commit to achieving this. We will do the utmost to win back the people’s respect and trust in the political system.”
Dissanayake’s appeal stems from his steadfast focus on anti-corruption measures and his calls for reform in governance. This promise of good governance and a focus on the ordinary citizen was vital in his campaign and underpinned his victory. The country’s political and economic elite have long been accused of exploiting their power, leading to mass protests over the years.
Aftermath of Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis
Saturday’s election was Sri Lanka’s first presidential contest since the devastating economic collapse in 2022, which led to mass protests and eventually forced then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa out of power. The crisis left Sri Lanka facing severe shortages of essentials such as food, fuel, and medicines, pushing millions into poverty and sparking widespread unrest.
In his inauguration speech, Dissanayake highlighted the difficult road ahead, acknowledging that there are no easy fixes to Sri Lanka’s economic woes. “I have said before that I am not a magician – I am an ordinary citizen. There are things I know and don’t know. My aim is to gather those with the knowledge and skills to help lift this country,” he explained.
This sense of humility and pragmatism is central to Dissanayake’s leadership style. He has often emphasized the importance of collective effort and has vowed to surround himself with experts capable of navigating the nation through its recovery.
Diverse and United Sri Lanka
In a symbolic gesture, Dissanayake received a Buddhist blessing at the conclusion of his inauguration, while leaders from Sri Lanka’s other main religions – Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity – were also present. This moment highlighted the president’s focus on national unity and diversity.
Dissanayake, who has a background in socialist politics, has placed great emphasis on fostering harmony among the Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, and other ethnic and religious groups within the country. “The unity of Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, and all Sri Lankans is the bedrock of this new beginning,” he said in a statement on the eve of his swearing-in.
An Unprecedented Election
The presidential election, held over the weekend, was one of the most competitive in Sri Lanka’s history. No candidate managed to secure more than 50% of the vote in the first round, forcing the contest into a second round of counting. Dissanayake ultimately emerged victorious, with the Election Commission announcing that he secured 5,740,179 votes in the final tally. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa came in second with 4,530,902 votes, while outgoing president Ranil Wickremesinghe trailed significantly, gathering just over 2.2 million votes in the first round.
Wickremesinghe, who had secured a $2.9 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during his tenure, congratulated Dissanayake on his victory. “With much love and respect for this beloved nation, I hand over its future to the new president,” Wickremesinghe said in his concession speech.
This election was Sri Lanka’s ninth presidential vote since 1982, and unlike previous elections, the result was not determined in the first round of voting, making it one of the closest contests in the country’s political history.
Economic Recovery
As Sri Lanka’s new leader, Dissanayake faces the enormous challenge of rebuilding an economy that was decimated by a combination of poor governance, weak exports, unsustainable debt, and the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. By 2022, Sri Lanka’s foreign currency reserves had nearly dried up, causing a debilitating shortage of essential goods and services. Inflation soared to a staggering 70%, with public debt ballooning to $83 billion.
Much of the public ire during this time was directed at the Rajapaksa family, who ruled Sri Lanka for more than a decade and were seen as responsible for gross financial mismanagement. Dissanayake’s election victory represents a clear mandate for change, as many Sri Lankans have grown weary of the nepotism and corruption they associate with the Rajapaksa dynasty.
Dissanayake has pledged to maintain the deal with the IMF but stressed that he would seek to mitigate the harshest austerity measures on the country’s poorest citizens. His plans for economic revival include strengthening Sri Lanka’s manufacturing, agriculture, and IT sectors to boost exports and create jobs.
A New Political Chapter
Dissanayake’s election to the highest office has also paved the way for a political overhaul. Shortly before he took office, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena announced his resignation, clearing the way for the dissolution of parliament. Dissanayake confirmed his intention to dissolve the current parliament and call for fresh elections. “There is no point continuing with a parliament that is not in line with what the people want,” he said.
This move will likely be welcomed by many Sri Lankans, who view the current parliament as ineffective and disconnected from the needs of the population. A new election will provide an opportunity for Dissanayake to reshape the legislative landscape, potentially bringing in fresh faces that share his vision for clean and effective governance.
Past and Future of the JVP
Despite Dissanayake’s popularity, his political roots in the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) have been a point of contention. The JVP has a violent history, having led two armed uprisings against the Sri Lankan state in the 1970s and 1980s. However, Dissanayake has worked hard to moderate the party’s stance in recent years, focusing on progressive policies aimed at uplifting the working class and addressing systemic corruption.
Dissanayake’s alliance, the National People’s Power (NPP), which includes the JVP, gained significant momentum during the 2022 protests, known locally as the Aragalaya, meaning “struggle.” These protests were instrumental in toppling the Rajapaksa government and elevated Dissanayake to the national spotlight as a leader who could harness the frustration and hope of ordinary Sri Lankans.
As Anura Kumara Dissanayake embarks on his presidency, the weight of expectations from Sri Lankans across the political spectrum is enormous. The nation’s economic recovery will not happen overnight, and Dissanayake will need to balance urgent economic reforms with maintaining social stability and unity.
The new president’s promise of clean politics, good governance, and transparency represents a fresh start for a country eager to leave behind its legacy of corruption and mismanagement. With his humble yet determined approach, Dissanayake has ignited a sense of hope for a better future – one where the political system serves all Sri Lankans and the country once again finds its footing on the global stage.
For the millions of Sri Lankans still reeling from the economic collapse, Dissanayake’s tenure represents a chance for meaningful change. But delivering on this promise will require deft leadership, a cohesive government, and the trust of the people he now serves.
