Anura Kumara Dissanayake Elected as Sri Lanka’s 9th Executive President in Historic Run-Off

Dissanayake’s victory marks a significant political shift as Sri Lankans reject traditional elites in favor of sweeping reforms.

Colombo – In a landmark political shift, National People’s Power (NPP) presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been elected as Sri Lanka’s ninth Executive President. The election commission officially declared his victory yesterday after a closely contested run-off, marking the first time in the country’s history that second-preference votes were counted to determine the winner.

Dissanayake secured 42.31% of the vote, amounting to 5,634,915 votes, defeating opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, who garnered 8.7% with 4,363,035 votes, and incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who received only 2,299,767 votes, finishing third. Dissanayake’s victory came after a second round of vote counting, as no candidate managed to secure the required 50% threshold in the initial round.

In his victory address, Dissanayake expressed deep gratitude to his supporters, emphasizing that the win was not his alone but a collective achievement of the people of Sri Lanka. “The dream we have nurtured for centuries is finally coming true,” he said in a statement on social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter). “This victory belongs to all of us, and together we stand ready to rewrite Sri Lankan history.”

The 56-year-old Dissanayake’s election is seen as a significant break from Sri Lanka’s political establishment. In the 2019 presidential election, he garnered just over 3% of the vote, making this victory a remarkable turnaround that highlights the public’s growing disenchantment with the traditional political elites, who have been accused of mismanaging the economy and fostering corruption.

Dissanayake’s political career spans decades. Born in Thambuttegama, in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, he entered student politics in 1987, joining the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). He later earned a degree from the University of Kelaniya and rose through the ranks of the JVP, becoming known for his vocal opposition to corruption, nepotism, and the concentration of power in the hands of a few.

Dissanayake’s campaign platform was built on promises of sweeping political reforms aimed at addressing corruption and economic inequality. His call for the end of family rule, structural reforms in governance, and financial transparency struck a chord with Sri Lankans, particularly in the aftermath of the country’s recent economic crisis.

Sri Lanka has been grappling with economic instability, high inflation, and a shortage of essential goods, fueling widespread protests against the political class. Dissanayake’s victory reflects the people’s demand for change and a new direction.

In the wake of his election, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Dissanayake, reaffirming India’s commitment to strong bilateral relations. “Sri Lanka holds a special place in India’s Neighbourhood First policy,” Modi posted on ‘X,’ signaling continued cooperation between the two nations.

Dissanayake is expected to be sworn in on Monday, September 23, ushering in what he calls a “New Renaissance” for Sri Lanka, based on the unity of all communities—Sinhalese, Tamils, and Muslims. His government faces the daunting task of steering the country toward economic recovery while navigating the complexities of regional and international relations.

Meanwhile, Lakshman Nipunaarchchi, an NPP member, is expected to replace Dissanayake in parliament, according to party General Secretary Tilvin Silva. Nipunaarchchi was next in line on the party’s preferential vote list.

As Dissanayake prepares to assume office, Sri Lankans remain hopeful that his promises of reform will lead to much-needed change in a country eager for stability and progress.