Left-leaning politician Anura Kumara Dissanayake has emerged victorious in Sri Lanka’s presidential election, marking a significant shift to the left in the country’s politics. Dissanayake, who secured 42.31% of the votes in the first round, went on to win the election after a historic second round of counting, where voters’ second and third choice candidates were tallied.
With a total of 5,740,179 votes, Dissanayake surpassed his closest rival, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, who garnered 4,530,902 votes. The election saw a high turnout, with approximately 76% of the 17 million electorate casting ballots.
Dissanayake’s Platform and Promises
Dissanayake’s campaign focused on good governance and tough anti-corruption measures, resonating with voters seeking systematic change since the country’s economic crisis in 2022. He has pledged to:
- Develop key sectors: manufacturing, agriculture, and IT to revive the economy
- Renegotiate the IMF deal: to reduce austerity measures’ impact on the poorest citizens
Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who secured 17% of the vote, congratulated Dissanayake on his victory, stating, “With much love and respect for this beloved nation, I hand over its future to the new president”.
A Historic Election
This election marks the first time a Sri Lankan presidential election has gone to a second round, with all previous winners emerging in the first round since 1982. The poll has been described as one of the closest in the country’s history, with 17 million Sri Lankans eligible to vote.
Reaction and Next Steps
Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha congratulated Dissanayake, and outgoing President Wickremesinghe initiated the transition process. Dissanayake is set to take oath as the new president on Monday
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