Mon Sep 23 15:11:13 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lanka Elects Left-Wing Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake as New President
**Colombo, Sri Lanka:** Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and the National People’s Power (NPP) alliance, has been sworn in as Sri Lanka’s new president, promising a new era for the nation recovering from its worst economic crisis in decades.
Dissanayake, who defeated his closest rival Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) in the presidential election on Sunday, pledged to usher in a “Renaissance” for Sri Lanka. He emphasized his commitment to upholding democracy and cleaning up politics, acknowledging the public’s call for a change in political culture.
The 55-year-old leader, known for his leftist politics and history in the JVP, attributed his victory to the public’s disenchantment with the existing political establishment. The election followed a series of mass protests in 2022, known as Aragalaya, which led to the ousting of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Dissanayake’s win marks a historic moment for Sri Lanka, as it is the first time a left-wing candidate has secured the presidency. His victory has been met with congratulations from international leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Both leaders expressed their commitment to strengthening ties with Sri Lanka, highlighting the importance of bilateral cooperation.
Dissanayake’s inauguration marks a significant shift in the country’s political landscape, with hopes for a new era of reform and economic recovery under his leadership.
First Piper 