Sun Sep 22 20:10:48 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lanka Elects Marxist-Leaning Candidate as President in Historic Vote

**COLOMBO, SRI LANKA** – Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a Marxist-leaning candidate, has been elected as Sri Lanka’s new president, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. Dissanayake, 55, secured victory with 5.6 million votes, representing 42.3% of the total, reflecting strong public support for his promises to combat corruption and steer the nation towards economic recovery following a severe financial crisis.

This election was the first in Sri Lanka’s history to require a second round of counting, as no candidate received the necessary 50% threshold for an outright victory. Dissanayake outperformed both incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who finished third with 17% of the vote, and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, who came in second with 32.8%.

Wickremesinghe’s austerity measures, implemented to stabilize the economy, appear to have hindered his re-election efforts. Dissanayake, despite lacking the political lineage of his rivals, attracted large crowds during his campaign with his leftist policies aimed at aiding the poor and his stirring speeches.

Dissanayake, who ran as a candidate for the National People’s Power (NPP) alliance, is a member of the Marxist-leaning Janatha Vimukthi Peremuna (JVP) party, which traditionally advocates for stronger state intervention and closed-market economic policies. He has promised tough anti-corruption measures and larger welfare schemes, addressing concerns about the deep economic crisis that sparked widespread protests and forced the former president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, to flee the country in 2022.

Dissanayake’s manifesto includes plans to rework the debt restructuring program, a core component of the International Monetary Fund’s $2.9 billion bailout. His pledge to reduce taxes has raised concerns among investors and market participants regarding his economic policies. However, he has assured the public and international stakeholders that any changes will be made in consultation with the IMF and that he remains committed to repaying the country’s debts.

Dissanayake, who has been in politics for some time, has positioned himself as the candidate for change. He has pledged to dissolve parliament within 45 days of taking office and seek a fresh mandate for his policies in general elections.

Bhavani Fonseka, a senior researcher at Colombo’s Centre for Policy Alternatives, described Dissanayake as “a newer face who knows how to speak to people on what they are going through.” He is appealing to those seeking change and a fresh approach to address the country’s challenges.

Dissanayake will be sworn in as the new president at a simple ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat on Monday, September 23. The world will be watching as he navigates the path towards economic recovery and tackles the complex issues facing Sri Lanka.

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