In Sri Lanka, Marxist-leaning lawmaker, Anura Kumar Dissanayake, has won the presidential election on promises of helping the poor and stamping out corruption in a country where an economic meltdown two years ago led to a resounding cry for systemic change.
It represents a major shift in the politics of the South Asian country, which rejected mainstream political parties that have governed the country for decades. Dissanayake, 55, known for his pro-working class stance, heads a left-leaning coalition, the National People’s Power.
His own party, the JVP, which was once a fringe, radical group, holds only three seats in the 225-member parliament and has not been part of the political mainstream.
Political analysts say widespread disillusionment with established political parties catapulted Dissanayake to the top post.
“This victory belongs to all of us” Dissanayake wrote in a post on X. “We stand ready to rewrite Sri Lankan history."
"We believe that we can turn this country around, we can build a stable government,” Dissanayake told reporters. “For me this is not a position, it is a responsibility."
He emerged the winner following a historic second round of counting after none of the three leading candidates secured the 50% plus one vote required to secure an outright victory in the initial count. He had secured 42% of the votes cast in the first count.
Dissanayake’s alliance is made up of different groups that include political parties, youth, civil society and women’s groups and trade unions. It is centered on the working class.
“We have rejected the old-school parties. I am overjoyed, this is what we need.” said tour guide Hasitha Vishwa. “For us, the younger generation, Dissanayake is a symbol of non-corruption. Previous politicians were too corrupt.”
The coming months could see a dramatic change in Sri Lanka’s political landscape. Dissanayake has promised to dissolve parliament after taking power to seek a fresh mandate for his policies in general elections. It is the first time that a country that has adopted free-market policies for over five decades, will have a government with a left-leaning ideology.
Popularly known as AKD, the firebrand politician, presented himself as the candidate who will clean up the country’s politics — the demand made by tens of thousands of protestors two years ago when they stormed the presidential palace and ousted former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Protestors had blamed entrenched corruption and mismanagement for the country’s economic collapse.
Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe was praised for stabilizing the economy and bringing it back from the brink of bankruptcy, but was blamed by many for failing to address concerns about corruption and protecting the country’s Rajapaksa political dynasty. He was eliminated from the second count after winning only 17% of the vote. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa won 32% of the vote.
"History will judge my efforts, but I can confidently say that I did my best to stabilize the country during one of its darkest periods," Wickremesinghe said in a statement.
Political analysts said that while the demand for change has swept Dissanayake to victory, a country whose economic future is at stake, is entering uncharted territory.
“He is basically untested. He is a new kid on the block,” according to Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Executive Director at the Center for Policy Alternatives. “We don’t know what his team is and whether they will have the expertise and experience to deal with the challenges that confront the country.”
Dissanayake now faces the daunting task of delivering on the primary concern for many voters — easing the hardship that millions grapple with due to spiraling costs of living.
Tough economic reforms imposed after the country secured a $2.9 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund to rescue its economy from bankruptcy have led to higher prices of essentials like food and fuel. Many in the country were pushed into poverty or saw their living standards plummet.
“Yes, he has promised to ease the burden on people due to austerity measures, but the key question is where will the money come from,” questioned analyst Paikiasothy.
Dissanayake has said he will adhere to the $2.9 billion International Monetary Fund bailout package and repayment of the country’s debt, which is critical to build on the fragile economic recovery that took place in the last two years.
But he has pledged to renegotiate the terms of the IMF deal to make austerity measures more bearable by lowering taxes.
“It will be a sea change for Sri Lanka. A lot of people are excited about the prospect and a lot of people are worried about that prospect,” said Alan Keenan, Senior Consultant, Sri Lanka, at the International Crisis Group.
Dissanayake will take the oath of office on Monday. About 17% of the country 17.1 million voters cast ballots in the election.