By a special correspondent
COLOMBO: In a paradigm political shift that has resonated across the island nation, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a left-leaning leader with a reputation for anti-corruption and pro-working class policies, was officially sworn in on Monday, 23 September as the ninth Executive President of Sri Lanka. His victory in the presidential election, held on September 21, 2024, marks a decisive moment for the country, as voters rejected the entrenched political elite that had long dominated the nation and been blamed for Sri Lanka’s economic and political crises.
Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office as President, he said: “We fully recognize that we are inheriting a country facing significant challenges. There is an urgent need to cultivate a more ethical and transparent political culture, one that aligns with the expectations of the people. We are committed to this goal. Public perception of politics and politicians has deteriorated, and I am dedicated to doing everything within my power to restore trust and respect in both our political system and its representatives.
We do not believe that the profound crisis before us can be resolved by a single government, political party, or individual. As I’ve said before, I am not a magician. I am simply an ordinary citizen of this country, with both strengths and limitations, knowledge and gaps. My most important role is to leverage my abilities to gather the necessary information, make informed decisions, and guide the country forward. It is my responsibility to be part of a collective effort.”
This election was not just a routine democratic exercise – it was a referendum on the future of Sri Lanka itself. After enduring the worst economic crisis in its post-independence history, the people of this South Asian island nation clamoured for change, and they found it in Dissanayake, popularly known as “AKD.” His ascension to power is widely seen as a rejection of the dynastic politics and economic mismanagement that have characterised Sri Lanka’s leadership for decades.
A Historic Victory
Dissanayake’s victory is indeed a historic one. The firebrand leader of the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and its broader coalition, the National People’s Power (NPP), secured 5,740,179 votes, outpacing his nearest rival, Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), by over a million votes. Premadasa, a seasoned politician and son of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, garnered 4,530,902 votes. Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who had assumed office in 2022 during a period of national turmoil, came in third with just 17% of the vote.
The election, which saw an unprecedented second round of vote counting after no candidate secured more than 50% in the initial tally, was the closest in Sri Lanka’s democratic history. Dissanayake emerged victorious after preferences from eliminated candidates were redistributed, marking the first time a Sri Lankan presidential election required a second count to determine the winner.
“This victory belongs to all of us,” Dissanayake, who will celebrate his 56th birthday in November, said in a statement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “It is the result of the collective effort of hundreds of thousands. Your commitment has brought us this far, and for that, I am deeply grateful.”
‘System Change’, Not Just a New Face
Dissanayake’s campaign was built on a simple but powerful message: ‘system change’. He positioned himself as the candidate of the people, promising to overhaul the country’s political culture, which he described as corrupt, elitist, and disconnected from the needs of ordinary citizens. His campaign resonated particularly with Sri Lanka’s youth, who have long been disillusioned by the country’s political establishment, as well as with working-class voters struggling to make ends meet in the face of economic hardship.
The 2022 ‘Aragalaya’ (Struggle) movement in Sri Lanka, led by youth and supported by diverse groups, culminated in the resignation of the government and the president being forced to flee the country. Now,. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, representing the spirit of the Aragalaya movement’s call for “system change” has won the presidency, lifting the hopes of tens of thousands of people from all walks of life who had protested at the Galle Face Green. Those protests were fueled by widespread anger over corruption, nepotism, and the economic collapse that left Sri Lanka unable to pay for basic imports like food and fuel. His victory, coming from outside the mainstream political establishment, reflects the people’s desire for change and anti-corruption measures. His dramatic rise from securing only 3% of votes in 2019 to winning 43% in a field of 38 candidates in 2024 is noteworthy. Although requiring a second count, he ultimately won by over a million votes, signaling a major shift in the country’s political landscape and a continuation of the Aragalaya movement’s impact.
Dissanayake’s election is seen as the culmination of those protests. The message of change struck a chord with voters, who had demanded a break from the past. His pledge to root out corruption, recover stolen assets, and restore public trust in government institutions was a key factor in his victory.
Dissanayake lost no time in showing his NPP alliance’s progressive credentials, appointing former academic and rights activist Harini Amarasuriya as Prime Minister, the third woman to hold this position in Sri Lanka. AKD followed up by appointing a three-member cabinet, the smallest in history, and then dissolved parliament to pave the way for general elections on November 14. He told the BBC’s Sinhala service that there was no point in keeping a parliament that was not in line with the aspirations of the people.
A Break from Dynastic Politics
Dissanayake’s rise to power is also a striking departure from the dynastic politics that have dominated Sri Lanka for decades. His main rivals—Premadasa and Wickremesinghe—both hail from political families that have been influential in Sri Lankan politics for generations. Premadasa’s father was assassinated while serving as president, and Wickremesinghe is the nephew of J.R. Jayewardene, a former president and prime minister.
In contrast, Dissanayake, has no such political lineage, is the son of working-class parents, and attended school in the deeply rural Tambuttegama. He first entered politics as a student activist in the late 1980s, when he joined the JVP, a Marxist party that had previously led two failed armed insurrections. Over the years, the party has moderated its hard-left stance, though it remains committed to policies of economic protectionism and state intervention.
Dissanayake’s outsider status and his commitment to fighting corruption made him a compelling choice for voters who were frustrated with the political establishment. “There are people who think their family power will win this election,” he said confidently during the campaign. “But on September 21, that family power, financial power, media power, and state power will be defeated by the people’s power.”
Economic Challenges Await
Despite the optimism surrounding his victory, Dissanayake takes office at a time of immense challenge. The country is still reeling from the economic collapse of 2022, which saw inflation skyrocket and the government default on its foreign debt. While the economy has stabilized somewhat under Wickremesinghe, who secured a bailout deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), austerity measures imposed as part of that deal have been deeply unpopular.
Dissanayake has pledged to continue the IMF deal but has promised to reduce the impact of austerity measures on Sri Lanka’s poorest citizens. He has also vowed to diversify the economy by focusing on sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and information technology. However, experts warn that his ambitious agenda will face significant hurdles, not least because his JVP party holds just three seats in the 225-member parliament.
Complicated Geopolitics
Dissanayake’s presidency could also have significant implications for Sri Lanka’s foreign relations, particularly with India and China. While Dissanayake has toned down the anti-India rhetoric that characterized his early political career, there remain concerns in New Delhi about his ties to China. The JVP has traditionally been seen as pro-China, and Beijing has provided significant financial support to Sri Lanka in recent years, including during the economic crisis. But observers note that being a leftist necessarily does not mean he is pro-China. In fact, Dissanayake has sought to reassure India that his government will maintain strong bilateral ties. During his campaign, he emphasized the importance of working with India, while also stressing the need for Sri Lanka to pursue an independent foreign policy.
A New Dawn?
As Dissanayake settles into his role as Sri Lanka’s president, the expectations are immense. His supporters see him as the leader who can finally deliver the ‘system change’ the country has long yearned for. But his detractors remain skeptical, pointing to the violent past of his JVP party and questioning his ability to navigate the complex political and economic landscape that now lies before him.
“The road ahead is tough, but I believe in the people of Sri Lanka,” Dissanayake said in his inaugural address. “Together, we can overcome these challenges and build a nation that is fairer, more just, and more democratic.”
For a country that has seen so much turmoil in recent years, Dissanayake’s election represents a rare moment of hope. Whether he can deliver on his promises remains to be seen, but for now, Sri Lankans seem willing to give him the chance to lead them toward a brighter future.
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