Who is Sri Lanka’s newly elected president Anura Kumara Dissanayake?

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the National People's Power (NPP) alliance, has been elected as Sri Lanka's new president, marking a historic shift in the nation's political landscape. 

Dissanayake's victory comes amid widespread calls for reform following the country's economic crisis in 2022. He defeated opposition leader Sajith Premadasa in a decisive second round of voting, while outgoing president Ranil Wickremesinghe finished third, reports the BBC.

Dissanayake, 55, was a long shot just a few years ago, securing a mere 3% of votes in the 2019 election. However, his platform of anti-corruption and pro-poor policies has gained significant traction, especially in the wake of Sri Lanka's unprecedented financial crisis. 

As he steps into the presidency, Dissanayake faces the challenge of stabilising a nation still reeling from the economic and social turmoil that ousted his predecessor.

A political journey rooted in Marxism

Dissanayake's political career began in the late 1980s when he was a student activist during the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, a period marked by intense political strife. 

Born on 24 November 1968 in the multi-cultural town of Galewela, Dissanayake was raised in a middle-class family and studied physics before entering politics. 

He joined the Janatha Vimukti Peramuna (JVP), a Marxist political party, which led an armed uprising against the government from 1987 to 1989. The conflict resulted in thousands of deaths, and Dissanayake has since expressed remorse for the violence of that era.

"A lot of things happened during the armed conflict that should not have happened," he said in a 2014 interview with the BBC.

The JVP, under Dissanayake's leadership since 2008, has since transitioned from a revolutionary group to a political party advocating for democratic socialism.

Although it currently holds only three parliamentary seats, the JVP is part of the broader NPP coalition that propelled Dissanayake to the presidency.

A mandate for change

Dissanayake's victory is seen as a mandate for change from a populace weary of economic mismanagement and political corruption. 

The 2022 economic collapse, which led to widespread protests and the ouster of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, was a turning point for the country. 

Years of poor fiscal policy, including under-taxation and declining exports, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, left Sri Lanka with over $83 billion in debt and inflation soaring to 70%.

Although President Wickremesinghe introduced reforms that stabilised the currency and curbed inflation, the pain of austerity measures, such as tax hikes and welfare cuts, has left many Sri Lankans struggling. 

Dissanayake has pledged to reverse these policies, advocating for tax reductions and expanded welfare programs. His promise to rein in these measures appears to have resonated with voters, reflecting widespread frustration with the country's elite.

Addressing past wounds

During his campaign, Dissanayake also committed to investigating the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, a series of attacks on churches and hotels in Colombo that killed nearly 300 people. 

The tragedy remains unresolved, with critics accusing the previous government of obstructing inquiries. 

In a BBC Sinhala interview, Dissanayake said he would prioritise an investigation, accusing former officials of avoiding accountability to protect themselves.

He also pointed out that Sri Lanka's political class has failed to deliver on numerous promises, from ending corruption to strengthening the rule of law. 

"Politicians who promised to stop corruption have engaged in corruption; those who promised to create a debt-free Sri Lanka have only worsened the debt burden; people who promised to strengthen the law have broken it.

"This is exactly why the people of this country want different leadership. We are the ones who can provide it," said Dissanayake. 

Navigating economic recovery

Dissanayake's economic policies have drawn both support and skepticism. His pledges to expand welfare and cut taxes have raised concerns among some analysts about their impact on Sri Lanka's fiscal stability. 

However, Dissanayake has assured that he will work closely with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to ensure the country's debt obligations are met while addressing the needs of the people.

Athulasiri Samarakoon, a senior lecturer in political science at the Open University of Sri Lanka, told the BBC that restoring economic stability would be the new president's primary challenge. 

"The most serious issue is managing public expenditure and increasing revenue generation," he said. "Any future government will have to collaborate with the IMF to navigate these difficulties."

A new era for Sri Lanka

With a voter turnout of 76%, Dissanayake's victory reflects a strong desire for transformation. As he prepares to take office, he faces high expectations from a country seeking not only economic recovery but also a renewed faith in its political leadership.