Who is Sri Lanka’s new president Anura Kumara Dissanayake?

Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been elected as the new president of Sri Lanka, marking a significant moment in the country's political landscape. His victory comes after a challenging period for Sri Lanka, which has been grappling with a severe economic crisis since 2022. This election was particularly important as it was the first one held after the economy collapsed, leading to widespread discontent among the population. Dissanayake, representing the National People's Power (NPP) alliance, has gained traction in recent years due to his strong anti-corruption stance and policies aimed at supporting the poor. The people of Sri Lanka are eager for change, and Dissanayake's election reflects their desire for a new direction in leadership. Born on November 24, 1968, in Galewela, a town known for its diverse culture and religions, Dissanayake grew up in a middle-class family. He received his education in public schools and later earned a degree in physics. His political journey began during his student years, coinciding with the signing of the Indo-Sri Lanka Agreement in 1987, which led to a tumultuous period in the country’s history. From 1987 to 1989, the Janatha Vimukti Peramuna (JVP), a Marxist political party with which Dissanayake became closely associated, led an armed rebellion against the government. This conflict resulted in significant violence and loss of life, and Dissanayake has since expressed remorse for the actions taken during that time. He acknowledges the pain caused by the violence and has committed to learning from the past. As he campaigned for the presidency, Dissanayake also addressed the tragic events of the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 300 people. He has promised to investigate these attacks if elected, criticizing the previous government for allegedly obstructing inquiries into the bombings. Dissanayake believes that the lack of accountability from past leaders has contributed to the public's desire for a different kind of leadership. He has emphasized that many politicians have failed to fulfill their promises, particularly regarding corruption and economic stability. Dissanayake's campaign resonated with voters who are frustrated with the status quo and are looking for a leader who can genuinely address their concerns. Dissanayake's rise to prominence comes in the wake of the ousting of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who faced mass protests due to the economic meltdown. The crisis was fueled by years of poor economic management, including under-taxation and policy missteps, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, Sri Lanka's public debt soared, and inflation reached alarming levels. Dissanayake has positioned himself as a candidate for change, promising to implement policies that prioritize the needs of the people. He has pledged to dissolve parliament shortly after taking office to establish a fresh mandate for his administration. His proposals include tough anti-corruption measures, increased welfare programs, and tax cuts, which have garnered significant support from voters. Many citizens are hopeful that Dissanayake's leadership will lead to a more stable and prosperous future for Sri Lanka.