In the late 1980s, Anura Kumara Dissanayake was part of a Marxist-Leninist party that aimed to overthrow the Sri Lankan government through violence. Now, at 55, he has transitioned to a mainstream political figure, winning the presidency through peaceful elections.
Dissanayake's rise comes at a time when many Sri Lankans are frustrated with the political elite, which has historically rotated leadership among a few powerful families. "The elites are worried that this outsider could actually lead the country," said Harini Amarasuriya, a lawmaker in Dissanayake’s coalition. "He has spent 24 years in parliament and has been a political activist for nearly 30 years, so he brings experience."
The backdrop to his election includes the ousting of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022, who faced backlash for his handling of the economy, leading to shortages of essential goods. Following Rajapaksa's departure, parliament appointed Ranil Wickremesinghe to negotiate a $3 billion bailout with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which came with strict conditions that have resulted in higher taxes and electricity bills for citizens. Dissanayake was voted in as a leftist leader promising to ease these burdens.
Although he does not plan to scrap the IMF agreement, Dissanayake seeks to renegotiate some terms to lessen the financial strain on the poor. There is also uncertainty about how he will handle the previous administration's deal with bondholders regarding $12.6 billion in bonds, which has affected investor confidence. Following the election, Sri Lanka’s dollar bonds saw a decline, though the rupee slightly strengthened against the dollar.
In his inauguration speech in Colombo, Dissanayake emphasized the need for international support. "Whatever the power divisions, we expect to act in the most advantageous way," he said. "We should not be an isolated country. We have to go forward in the world in unity and cooperation."
Known as AKD, Dissanayake holds a strong mandate, resonating with the public's desire for good governance and anti-corruption measures. While his party retains a communist identity, Dissanayake is looking to balance relations with major powers like India and China, both of which have significant investments in Sri Lanka. He has committed to reviewing international trade agreements to boost exports and has called for closer scrutiny of foreign investment to avoid future financial pitfalls.
His foreign policy will face challenges, such as a decision on lifting a ban on foreign research vessels in Sri Lankan waters, initially imposed due to concerns from the US and India about Chinese presence.
Dissanayake's victory illustrates a significant shift in Sri Lanka's political environment following years of crisis. In 2019, he ran for president but only garnered 3% of the vote, highlighting his transformation into a credible candidate this time, winning by over 1.2 million votes.
Once a student political leader during the violent uprising of 1987-89, Dissanayake became the head of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna party in 2014. He has since worked to broaden the party’s appeal by incorporating civil society members and academics, steering away from its anti-capitalist roots.
While many Sri Lankans were dissatisfied with the IMF deal, some economic improvements have occurred under Wickremesinghe, such as reduced inflation and growth in the economy. However, Dissanayake acknowledged the difficulties ahead. In his speech after being sworn in, he stressed the need for a positive political culture that meets the expectations of the people.
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