Anura Kumara Dissanayake: New President of Sri Lanka

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, 55, was sworn in as Sri Lanka's 9th President on September 23, 2024. He won a historic second round of counting, defeating incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa.

Election Results and Inauguration

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, 55, sworn in as Sri Lanka's 9th President on September 23, 2024
Won in a historic second round of counting, a first for Sri Lankan presidential elections
Defeated incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa
Secured victory with 42.31% in the first round, winning the second round with transferred votes
Inauguration held at the Presidential Secretariat, sworn in by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya
Pledged to protect and uphold democracy, acknowledging the challenging times ahead

Political Background and Campaign Promises

Leader of the Marxist-leaning Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) party
Ran as head of the National People's Power coalition
JVP has a controversial history, including armed insurrections in the 1970s and 1980s
Rose to prominence during the 2022 "Aragalaya" (The Struggle) protests against the Rajapaksa regime
Campaign focused on anti-corruption measures, increased welfare, and tax cuts
Promised to address economic crisis and ease austerity measures imposed by previous government
Vowed to create a "cleaner" political culture and commit to change

Economic Context and Challenges

Sri Lanka emerging from its worst economic crisis in over seven decades
Crisis led to shortages of essentials like food, medicine, and fuel in 2022
Previous government negotiated an IMF bailout package, imposing austerity measures
Dissanayake faces challenge of balancing campaign promises with IMF agreement
Must address high taxes and reduced welfare expenditures affecting poor and middle class
Pledged to dissolve parliament, where his party holds only 3 of 225 seats

International Relations and Reactions

Received congratulations from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Expressed commitment to strengthening ties with India for regional benefit
Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Dissanayake, expressing desire to deepen ties
Xi hoped for further cooperation under China's Belt and Road initiative
U.S. also extended congratulations to the new president
Dissanayake's presidency marks a shift from traditional political dynasties in Sri Lanka

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