Thu Nov 14 17:04:47 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lankan President Dissanayake Confident of NPP’s Strong Presence in Parliament

**COLOMBO, Sri Lanka -** Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed confidence on Thursday that his National People’s Power (NPP) alliance will secure a strong presence in Parliament following the general elections held on November 14th.

Speaking to the media after casting his vote, Dissanayake stated that the NPP aims to run a government that is accepted by people across the island nation. He emphasized the party’s commitment to a “new political culture,” a key plank in his presidential campaign that saw him rise to power two months ago.

While acknowledging the importance of a “strong Parliament,” Dissanayake did not explicitly state whether the NPP sought a two-thirds majority. He maintained that their focus is on passing legislation beneficial to the people, implying that a majority is sufficient to achieve this.

Dissanayake’s victory in the September 2024 presidential election marked a significant shift in Sri Lankan politics. His popularity surged from 3.16% in the 2019 election to 42.3%, reflecting a strong desire for change among voters. The NPP, led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), is hoping to translate this momentum into parliamentary gains.

These elections hold significant importance for Sri Lanka as it continues to recover from the devastating economic meltdown of 2022. The outcome will determine the government’s influence and ability to implement its agenda.

Vote counting commenced on Thursday evening, and early trends are expected to be released over the weekend. According to unofficial reports, voter turnout was likely below 70%.

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