Marxist-leaning politician Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been sworn in as the new president of Sri Lanka, following his victory in Saturday’s election. Dissanayake, the 55-year-old leader of the People’s Liberation Front (JVP) party, won with 42.31 percent of the vote.
In his inauguration speech, Dissanayake acknowledged the complex challenges facing Sri Lanka and expressed his commitment to meeting people’s hopes and restoring their confidence in politicians. He emphasized the need for support from all Sri Lankans to address issues such as corruption and clean up politics in the country.
Dissanayake’s election comes after mass protests led to the resignation of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa amid an economic crisis in 2022. The situation has since stabilized with the support of the International Monetary Fund, but austerity measures have caused hardship for many people.
A former JVP student leader, Dissanayake has a history of opposition to government-backed violence and has renounced violence as a means of political change. Despite the JVP’s past as a revolutionary force, it currently holds a smaller presence in Sri Lankan politics.
Dissanayake’s rise to popularity has seen him soften some of his Marxist policies, indicating a belief in an open economy and a willingness to consider privatization. Overall, Dissanayake’s presidency marks a new chapter for Sri Lanka as he seeks to address the country’s challenges and build confidence among its citizens.
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