Anura Kumara Dissanayake (File Image)
In a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Marxist-leaning leader, has secured a commanding early lead in the race to become the next president of the economically distressed nation. As the country seeks to stabilize its fragile economic recovery, preliminary results indicate that Dissanayake has garnered approximately 53% of the votes counted so far, according to the Sri Lanka Election Commission.
Dissanayake's closest competitor, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, trails with 22% of the votes, while the incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe occupies third place. The election, held on Saturday, saw a robust turnout, with about 75% of the eligible 17 million voters participating.
Dissanayake represented the National People's Power (NPP) alliance, which includes his Janatha Vimukthi Peremuna (JVP) party. Known for its advocacy of stronger state intervention and market regulations, the JVP currently holds just three seats in parliament. However, Dissanayake's appeal is bolstered by promises of rigorous anti-corruption measures and policies aimed at uplifting the impoverished.
Positioning himself as a candidate for change, Dissanayake has vowed to dissolve parliament within 45 days of taking office to seek a fresh mandate. His message resonates amid ongoing economic challenges that emerged after a severe foreign exchange crisis in 2022, which left the country unable to import essential goods.
Foreign Minister Ali Sabry acknowledged the election's outcome on X, stating, "After a long and arduous campaign, the results of the election are now clear... the people of Sri Lanka have made their decision, and I fully respect their mandate for Anura Kumara Dissanayake."
This election marks a significant turning point following widespread protests in 2022 that led to the resignation of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Supported by a $2.9 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Sri Lanka has experienced tentative economic recovery, although many voters still grapple with a high cost of living and poverty.
While inflation has decreased to 0.5% from a crisis peak of 70%, the next leader will face the pressing challenge of maintaining the IMF program until 2027. Dissanayake has promised to lower taxes, raising concerns among investors regarding fiscal stability. However, he has assured voters that any changes will be made in consultation with the IMF, emphasizing his commitment to debt repayment and economic stability.
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