Sri Lanka’s political landscape has shifted significantly with the election of Anura Kumara Dissanayaka as the country’s 10th president. Dissanayaka, leader of the People's Liberation Front (JVP), won the run-off election by a landslide, signaling voters' rejection of establishment politics in the wake of the 2022 economic crisis. His victory comes as Sri Lanka continues to grapple with the aftermath of its worst financial crash, and the public’s growing disillusionment with the ruling elite.
PM Modi Congratulates Sri Lanka’s President-Elect
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Dissanayaka shortly after his victory was announced. Modi took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to convey his greetings, writing, “Congratulations @anuradisanayake, on your victory in the Sri Lankan Presidential elections. Sri Lanka holds a special place in India's Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR.” He also expressed optimism about future cooperation, adding, "I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our multifaceted cooperation for the benefit of our people and the entire region."
In response, after winning Sri Lanka's presidential elections, Anura Kumara Dissanayake also tweeted, "Thank you, Prime Minister Modi, for your kind words and support. I share your commitment to strengthening the ties between our nations. Together, we can work towards enhancing cooperation for the benefit of our peoples and the entire region."
A Historic Election Amid Economic Turmoil
Dissanayaka, aged 55, secured a substantial victory over his closest rival, Sajith Premadasa, with a lead of 1.3 million votes. His win was seen as a reflection of public dissatisfaction with traditional political parties, particularly after the 2022 economic meltdown that crippled the island nation.
Sri Lanka's economic crisis—the worst since the country gained independence from Britain in 1948—left the nation in severe debt, with food, fuel, and medicine shortages affecting millions of citizens. The financial collapse also forced Sri Lanka to default on its loans for the first time. Voter turnout for the election reached around 70% by the time polling stations closed, highlighting the importance of this pivotal moment for many Sri Lankans. Dissanayaka's election also marked the first presidential run-off in Sri Lankan history, a significant departure from the country's usual single-round electoral process.
In his victory speech, Dissanayaka acknowledged the sacrifices made by many supporters over the years, stating, "This victory belongs to all of us... Together, we stand ready to rewrite Sri Lankan history." He also reflected on the challenges that lay ahead, emphasizing the importance of unity during these difficult times.
From Activist to President: Dissanayaka’s Journey
Dissanayaka’s political journey is steeped in activism and a commitment to Marxist ideals. His rise to power as the leader of the JVP, a party historically known for its armed insurrections, represents a break from Sri Lanka’s political elite, who have largely controlled the country’s governance since independence. Under his leadership, the JVP has shifted towards more democratic processes, although the party’s history is rooted in violent uprisings.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the JVP was involved in two deadly insurrections, the first against Prime Minister Sirima Bandaranaike’s government in 1971, and the second in 1987, opposing a power-sharing agreement between the Sri Lankan government and the country’s Tamil minority. Dissanayaka himself was an active student leader during the second uprising, narrowly avoiding death at the hands of government death squads. He has since led the JVP through a period of transformation, publicly declaring in 2014 that the party would "never again" resort to violence.
Dissanayaka has also spoken about the deep personal sacrifices made during these years. In a conversation about the second insurrection, he described how a teacher hid him for over a month to protect him from being targeted by government forces, who were known for brutally killing JVP members and setting their bodies on fire in public. Many activists and civilians disappeared during this period, with unofficial estimates placing the death toll at around 60,000. Some victims remain unaccounted for to this day.
A Shift in Political Power
Dissanayaka’s election represents a significant shift in Sri Lankan politics. His victory breaks the long-standing dominance of elite families who have controlled the nation’s political affairs for decades. "For the first time in Sri Lanka's post-independence history, governance will shift from the control of a few corrupt elite families to a people's government," he wrote in his party's campaign manifesto, a message that resonated deeply with voters struggling under the weight of austerity measures imposed by outgoing President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Wickremesinghe, who was eliminated after the first round of voting, had been serving as president since the peak of Sri Lanka's financial crisis. His government implemented harsh austerity measures, including steep tax hikes, as part of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout plan to stabilize the economy. However, these measures exacerbated hardships for millions of Sri Lankans, contributing to the widespread demand for political change.
Balancing Economic Reforms and Geopolitics
Though Dissanayaka is a Marxist by ideology, his stance on economic policies has evolved in recent years. While his party traditionally supported strict socialist principles, Dissanayaka has since embraced aspects of a more open economy. His manifesto vows to improve loss-making state-owned enterprises but rejects the idea of full-scale privatization. He also dismissed claims that his government would impose radical nationalization policies, stating at a campaign rally, "There is a smear campaign against us, saying we will nationalise everything, even cows… We will certainly help farmers to improve, to have their own dairies… We will not take over cows."
In the international arena, Dissanayaka faces the challenge of balancing relationships with global powers, including India and China, both of which have significant influence in Sri Lanka. Historically, the JVP was hostile to India, particularly during the 1987 insurrection, when the party launched an anti-India campaign. However, in recent years, Dissanayaka has sought to mend ties with New Delhi. He met with Indian officials during a visit to New Delhi earlier this year, shortly after a similar diplomatic visit to Beijing. JVP politburo member Bimal Ratnayake emphasized Dissanayaka’s commitment to keeping Sri Lanka neutral in geopolitical rivalries, stating, "Sri Lankan territory will not be used against any other nation."
A New Era for Sri Lanka
Anura Kumara Dissanayaka’s election as president represents a significant shift in Sri Lankan politics, marking a break from traditional power structures and offering hope for a people-centric government. As Sri Lanka recovers from its economic collapse, Dissanayaka faces the challenge of rebuilding the nation while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics. His victory signals a demand for change from a population tired of corruption and mismanagement, paving the way for what he describes as a new chapter in Sri Lanka's history.
PM Modi Congratulates Sri Lanka’s President-Elect
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Dissanayaka shortly after his victory was announced. Modi took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to convey his greetings, writing, “Congratulations @anuradisanayake, on your victory in the Sri Lankan Presidential elections. Sri Lanka holds a special place in India's Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR.” He also expressed optimism about future cooperation, adding, "I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our multifaceted cooperation for the benefit of our people and the entire region."
Congratulations @anuradisanayake, on your victory in the Sri Lankan Presidential elections. Sri Lanka holds a special place in India's Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our multifaceted cooperation for…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2024
In response, after winning Sri Lanka's presidential elections, Anura Kumara Dissanayake also tweeted, "Thank you, Prime Minister Modi, for your kind words and support. I share your commitment to strengthening the ties between our nations. Together, we can work towards enhancing cooperation for the benefit of our peoples and the entire region."
Thank you, Prime Minister Modi, for your kind words and support. I share your commitment to strengthening the ties between our nations. Together, we can work towards enhancing cooperation for the benefit of our peoples and the entire region. https://t.co/rtQEXyiFUI
— Anura Kumara Dissanayake (@anuradisanayake) September 23, 2024
A Historic Election Amid Economic Turmoil
Dissanayaka, aged 55, secured a substantial victory over his closest rival, Sajith Premadasa, with a lead of 1.3 million votes. His win was seen as a reflection of public dissatisfaction with traditional political parties, particularly after the 2022 economic meltdown that crippled the island nation.
Sri Lanka's economic crisis—the worst since the country gained independence from Britain in 1948—left the nation in severe debt, with food, fuel, and medicine shortages affecting millions of citizens. The financial collapse also forced Sri Lanka to default on its loans for the first time. Voter turnout for the election reached around 70% by the time polling stations closed, highlighting the importance of this pivotal moment for many Sri Lankans. Dissanayaka's election also marked the first presidential run-off in Sri Lankan history, a significant departure from the country's usual single-round electoral process.
In his victory speech, Dissanayaka acknowledged the sacrifices made by many supporters over the years, stating, "This victory belongs to all of us... Together, we stand ready to rewrite Sri Lankan history." He also reflected on the challenges that lay ahead, emphasizing the importance of unity during these difficult times.
From Activist to President: Dissanayaka’s Journey
Dissanayaka’s political journey is steeped in activism and a commitment to Marxist ideals. His rise to power as the leader of the JVP, a party historically known for its armed insurrections, represents a break from Sri Lanka’s political elite, who have largely controlled the country’s governance since independence. Under his leadership, the JVP has shifted towards more democratic processes, although the party’s history is rooted in violent uprisings.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the JVP was involved in two deadly insurrections, the first against Prime Minister Sirima Bandaranaike’s government in 1971, and the second in 1987, opposing a power-sharing agreement between the Sri Lankan government and the country’s Tamil minority. Dissanayaka himself was an active student leader during the second uprising, narrowly avoiding death at the hands of government death squads. He has since led the JVP through a period of transformation, publicly declaring in 2014 that the party would "never again" resort to violence.
Dissanayaka has also spoken about the deep personal sacrifices made during these years. In a conversation about the second insurrection, he described how a teacher hid him for over a month to protect him from being targeted by government forces, who were known for brutally killing JVP members and setting their bodies on fire in public. Many activists and civilians disappeared during this period, with unofficial estimates placing the death toll at around 60,000. Some victims remain unaccounted for to this day.
A Shift in Political Power
Dissanayaka’s election represents a significant shift in Sri Lankan politics. His victory breaks the long-standing dominance of elite families who have controlled the nation’s political affairs for decades. "For the first time in Sri Lanka's post-independence history, governance will shift from the control of a few corrupt elite families to a people's government," he wrote in his party's campaign manifesto, a message that resonated deeply with voters struggling under the weight of austerity measures imposed by outgoing President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Wickremesinghe, who was eliminated after the first round of voting, had been serving as president since the peak of Sri Lanka's financial crisis. His government implemented harsh austerity measures, including steep tax hikes, as part of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout plan to stabilize the economy. However, these measures exacerbated hardships for millions of Sri Lankans, contributing to the widespread demand for political change.
Balancing Economic Reforms and Geopolitics
Though Dissanayaka is a Marxist by ideology, his stance on economic policies has evolved in recent years. While his party traditionally supported strict socialist principles, Dissanayaka has since embraced aspects of a more open economy. His manifesto vows to improve loss-making state-owned enterprises but rejects the idea of full-scale privatization. He also dismissed claims that his government would impose radical nationalization policies, stating at a campaign rally, "There is a smear campaign against us, saying we will nationalise everything, even cows… We will certainly help farmers to improve, to have their own dairies… We will not take over cows."
In the international arena, Dissanayaka faces the challenge of balancing relationships with global powers, including India and China, both of which have significant influence in Sri Lanka. Historically, the JVP was hostile to India, particularly during the 1987 insurrection, when the party launched an anti-India campaign. However, in recent years, Dissanayaka has sought to mend ties with New Delhi. He met with Indian officials during a visit to New Delhi earlier this year, shortly after a similar diplomatic visit to Beijing. JVP politburo member Bimal Ratnayake emphasized Dissanayaka’s commitment to keeping Sri Lanka neutral in geopolitical rivalries, stating, "Sri Lankan territory will not be used against any other nation."
A New Era for Sri Lanka
Anura Kumara Dissanayaka’s election as president represents a significant shift in Sri Lankan politics, marking a break from traditional power structures and offering hope for a people-centric government. As Sri Lanka recovers from its economic collapse, Dissanayaka faces the challenge of rebuilding the nation while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics. His victory signals a demand for change from a population tired of corruption and mismanagement, paving the way for what he describes as a new chapter in Sri Lanka's history.
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