Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) party, has been declared the winner of the 2024 Sri Lankan Presidential Election. The 55-year-old leftist leader emerged victorious after the country’s first-ever presidential election run-off, defeating his main rival, Sajith Premadasa, according to the Election Commission of Sri Lanka.
Dissanayake will become the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka, marking a significant shift in the nation’s political landscape. In a historic first, the election saw a second round of voting after no candidate secured a majority in the initial vote count. Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe came third, thus being eliminated after the first round of voting.
A New Era of Unity and Renewal
Following his victory, Dissanayake took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to express gratitude to his supporters and call for national unity. “The dream we have nurtured for centuries is finally coming true. This achievement is not the result of any single person’s work, but the collective effort of hundreds of thousands of you,” he said. Dissanayake emphasized the importance of uniting all Sri Lankans—Sinhalese, Tamils, and Muslims—to build a new beginning for the country.
“Our journey here has been paved by the sacrifices of so many… Their sacrifices are not forgotten. The millions of eyes filled with hope and expectation push us forward, and together, we stand ready to rewrite Sri Lankan history,” he added.
Challenging Path to Victory
The election comes at a critical time for Sri Lanka, which has been grappling with severe economic turmoil since 2022. The economic collapse, triggered by excessive borrowing, the COVID-19 pandemic, and mismanagement by previous governments, plunged the country into crisis. Fuel shortages, widespread protests, and power outages marked the political and economic landscape, ultimately forcing the resignation of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Ranil Wickremesinghe, who served as interim president after Rajapaksa fled the country, failed in his bid for a full-term presidency, marking his third unsuccessful attempt after previous runs in 1999 and 2005.
Dissanayake’s victory is widely seen as a mandate for change, with many Sri Lankans eager for economic recovery and political stability. His presidency marks a departure from the traditional political elite and offers a fresh direction for the country.
Reactions and Future Outlook
Rauff Hakeem, a prominent parliamentarian with the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, congratulated Dissanayake on his election victory, calling it a “feat” and a reflection of the people’s determination. The new president-elect is expected to be sworn in on Monday, beginning his tenure amidst high expectations for reform.
As the nation looks ahead, Dissanayake will be tasked with addressing the deep economic challenges facing Sri Lanka, fostering national unity, and guiding the country towards recovery. His leadership will be pivotal in shaping the country’s path forward as it seeks to rebuild and re-establish political stability following a tumultuous period.
The results of this election highlight the desire for transformative leadership and mark the beginning of a new chapter in Sri Lankan politics.
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