The newly elected candidate capitalized on widespread dissatisfaction, presenting himself as a champion of the working class and vowing to reverse the economic downturn.
Newswire
Following an unprecedented second round of counting the votes, Sri Lanka has officially elected Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)as its new President on Sunday, 22nd September 2024.
Dissanayake won the election polling 5.6 million or 42.3 percent of the votes. Although none of the candidates was able to win this Presidential race in one shot, as none of the candidates got the 50 percent majority vote required, Dissanayake was leading the polls by over 9 percent compared to his opponent Sajith Premadasa. One of the primary reasons for Sri Lanka electing a Marxist-leaning candidate is rooted in his promise to address the country’s dire economic situation. Following the highly publicized economic collapse in 2022, Sri Lanka faced crippling debt, widespread financial mismanagement, and severe shortages of essential goods, including fuel, medicine, and food. This economic meltdown left the country in a state of social and political turmoil, leading to mass protests, the resignation of key leaders, and international bailouts.
The newly elected candidate capitalized on widespread dissatisfaction, presenting himself as a champion of the working class and vowing to reverse the economic downturn. His platform focused on prioritizing public welfare, restructuring foreign debt, and combating the austerity measures imposed by international financial institutions. The electorate, frustrated with traditional political elites and their failure to prevent the crisis, gravitated toward his message of economic reform and social justice. Many believed that his approach would steer the country toward recovery by addressing the deep-rooted inequalities and mismanagement that had plagued Sri Lanka for years.
In addition to his approach to resolving the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, Dissanayake also differs from the other candidates due to his lack of political ties. Unlike his political opponents, Dissanayake hails from a humble background, growing up in a small farming household rather than a family with deep political connections. With a degree in physical science, Dissanayake combines academic expertise with a grounded understanding of everyday struggles faced by ordinary citizens. His promise of change resonated with voters, particularly his bold commitment to dissolve parliament within 45 days of assuming office. This move was aimed at securing a fresh mandate in the general election, allowing him to implement his policies with the full backing of the people and chart a new course for Sri Lanka’s future.
