Anura Kumara Dissanayake Wins Sri Lankan Presidential Election with 75% Turnout

Sep 22, 2024, 01:09 AM

Sri Lanka has elected Anura Kumara Dissanayake as its new president in a closely watched election. Dissanayake, a Marxist-leaning leader from the National People's Power (NPP) party, secured a decisive victory and will become the country's ninth executive president. This election marks a significant shift in Sri Lankan politics, as it is the first major electoral exercise since the economic collapse in 2022. Voter turnout was high at 75%, and the election process was largely peaceful. The election commission ordered a second round of counting after no candidate initially secured over 50% of the votes. Dissanayake's victory signals a move away from conventional politics, with promises to address economic stability and systemic change. The new president is expected to take a pragmatic approach to international relations, including maintaining the $2.9 billion IMF bailout agreement.