In Sri Lankan politics, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s National People’s Power (NPP) coalition claimed a decisive victory in the country’s snap general election, securing a majority in parliament. The win signals a strong mandate for Dissanayake’s policies aimed at lifting the island nation out of an economic crisis and tackling widespread poverty.
Dissanayake, elected president in September 2024, dissolved Sri Lanka’s parliament shortly afterward to seek a fresh mandate for his economic and social policies. The NPP’s 52-seat win, totaling 62 percent of the vote share or approximately 5.4 million votes, puts the party in a powerful position to drive change. This landslide marks a departure from the island’s entrenched family political structures and sets the stage for significant reforms.
The election results published by the Election Commission of Sri Lanka on Friday confirm that the NPP swept the polls, gaining a substantial foothold in the 225-seat parliament. Speaking to reporters after casting his ballot on Thursday, Dissanayake expressed confidence in the people’s support.
“We see this as a critical turning point for Sri Lanka,” Dissanayake said. “There is a change in Sri Lanka’s political culture that started in September, which must continue.”
Dissanayake’s main rival, Sajith Premadasa, leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party, secured 13 seats with approximately 19 percent of the vote. Meanwhile, the New Democratic Front, supported by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, claimed just two seats, reflecting a clear shift in public sentiment against establishment politics.
The record-breaking participation of over 17 million eligible voters across 22 districts highlights the significance of this election, with many seeing it as a decisive opportunity to break with the past and support a new political approach.
A relative newcomer on Sri Lanka’s political landscape, Dissanayake has reshaped the nation’s political discourse with his populist and progressive policies. Unlike his predecessors, whose politics were often dominated by a handful of powerful families, Dissanayake’s approach has focused on transparency, combating poverty, and addressing the needs of the ordinary Sri Lankan.
Dissanayake’s victory in the September presidential election came as a surprise, as he rallied support by pledging reforms to tackle Sri Lanka’s economic crisis head-on. His NPP coalition, which had previously held only three seats, managed to win the public’s favor by promising tangible reforms rather than rhetoric.
“Sri Lanka typically backs its president in general elections, especially if it is held soon after a presidential vote,” says political analyst Ananda Rathnayake. “But what’s notable here is the scale of Dissanayake’s support. People seem genuinely ready for the kind of structural change he’s promising.”
Sri Lanka’s political scene has traditionally been shaped by a small number of elite families, including the Rajapaksas and the Bandaranaikes, whose influence permeated the highest levels of government for decades. Dissanayake’s Marxist-leaning policies and his emphasis on addressing poverty and inequality represent a significant departure from the previous governments, which critics say contributed to corruption and mismanagement.
The overwhelming success of the NPP coalition highlights a voter base ready for change. For many, the prospect of a government that pledges to prioritize economic stability, equity, and social welfare is a refreshing shift. Dissanayake has vowed to reallocate resources toward social welfare, expand healthcare and education, and cut taxes for small and medium-sized enterprises, all while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Sri Lanka is still reeling from a severe economic crisis that saw its GDP contract by 7.3 percent in 2022 and another 2.3 percent in 2023. Triggered by a foreign currency shortage that led to a sovereign default, the crisis left the economy vulnerable, with inflation soaring and living costs becoming untenable for the majority of Sri Lankans. The situation was somewhat alleviated by a $2.9 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which has helped to stabilize the economy, though the road to recovery remains fraught.
Dissanayake’s proposed economic agenda includes measures aimed at creating a fairer distribution of wealth, increasing social spending, and combating corruption. This agenda finds favor among the millions of Sri Lankans still grappling with high costs of living, job losses, and reduced incomes.
“While the IMF package provides some breathing space, it does not resolve the structural issues in Sri Lanka’s economy,” says economist Tharindu Wijesekara. “Dissanayake’s policies offer an alternative model that could, if well-managed, address the root causes of Sri Lanka’s economic woes.”
Key to his reform agenda is the proposal to cut taxes for local businesses and increase social support programs, a move aimed at fostering resilience among small and medium-sized enterprises that have borne the brunt of the crisis. Additionally, Dissanayake aims to reduce reliance on foreign imports by promoting local industries, a policy that he believes will help build economic independence.
While the NPP’s 52 seats secure them a significant influence in parliament, forming a fully stable government will require careful coalition-building. Dissanayake needs to appoint a cabinet that aligns with his goals and priorities, a process that demands parliamentary backing.
His administration’s ambitious plans also include a bid to abolish Sri Lanka’s controversial executive presidency, a role that vests considerable power in a single individual. Dissanayake believes that dismantling this system could promote greater checks and balances, ensuring that political power is more evenly distributed.
“Abolishing the executive presidency will require a two-thirds majority, a formidable goal,” says constitutional expert Dr. Hemali Wickramaratne. “But if he can build a coalition and bring people on board, it could be the beginning of a much-needed political reform in Sri Lanka.”
Achieving such constitutional changes will require significant political negotiation, as he will need support from both his coalition partners and the opposition. Dissanayake has expressed optimism about building a cross-party alliance, although some critics remain skeptical.
One of Dissanayake’s primary commitments is to reduce poverty and improve living standards, a promise that resonated with millions of Sri Lankans suffering from the economic downturn. His proposed welfare measures include expanding healthcare and education, improving access to affordable housing, and addressing food insecurity—a persistent problem exacerbated by inflation and supply chain issues.
He has also promised to tackle corruption, an endemic problem in Sri Lanka. Under previous administrations, allegations of embezzlement, misallocation of resources, and nepotism were rampant. By pledging a “clean government” that prioritizes transparency, Dissanayake aims to restore trust in the public sector, which is essential for implementing his broader economic policies effectively.
“Dissanayake’s policies suggest a commitment to social justice, which is essential for sustainable development,” says Ayesha Perera, a social policy advocate. “If he can make good on his promises, Sri Lanka could see a significant improvement in the lives of the poorest citizens.”
With Sri Lanka’s economy precariously recovering, Dissanayake’s government will need to balance its local welfare goals with international obligations, including its commitments to the IMF. His approach to governance emphasizes self-sufficiency, but the country’s reliance on foreign aid, remittances, and tourism means that Dissanayake must carefully navigate his relations with international financial institutions and neighboring countries, including India and China.
Dissanayake has pledged to maintain open diplomatic relations and is expected to continue cooperating with the IMF, although he has indicated he may seek to renegotiate certain terms of the bailout to prioritize local economic development over austerity.
“Balancing national priorities with international commitments will be crucial,” says foreign relations expert Suranga Wijewardene. “Dissanayake will need to be strategic in protecting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty while ensuring the country remains a cooperative player on the global stage.”
Dissanayake’s victory represents not only a political triumph but also a potential turning point for a nation eager for stability and prosperity. For decades, Sri Lankan politics have been marked by the influence of powerful families, high levels of corruption, and an economic structure that critics say perpetuated inequality. The NPP’s success suggests that Sri Lankans are ready for a government that prioritizes equitable growth and comprehensive social support.
While challenges remain, Dissanayake has the advantage of a strong electoral mandate and a populace eager for change. His administration’s ability to navigate these challenges will determine whether this historic election indeed signals the dawn of a new era or remains a momentary shift in Sri Lankan politics.
