Dissanayake Wins Sri Lankan Presidency

a { color: #880000 !important; background: #ffeeee !important; } Dissanayake Wins Sri Lankan PresidencyInternational > PoliticsAnura Kumara Dissanayake has been elected as Sri Lanka's new president, securing 42.3% of the vote in a historic election marked by a second round of counting. His victory comes amid ongoing economic challenges and public demand for political change following the ousting of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022.

What's happened

Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been elected as Sri Lanka's new president, securing 42.3% of the vote in a historic election marked by a second round of counting. His victory comes amid ongoing economic challenges and public demand for political change following the ousting of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022.

Why it matters

What the papers say

According to The Independent, Dissanayake's election marks a significant political shift in Sri Lanka, as he secured 42% of the vote, a notable increase from his previous 3% in 2019. The Guardian highlights that this election was the first in Sri Lanka's history to require a second round of counting due to no candidate achieving the necessary majority. Al Jazeera notes that Dissanayake's campaign focused on anti-corruption and economic recovery, resonating with voters disillusioned by austerity measures under the previous administration. The New York Times emphasizes Dissanayake's rebranding of his party, positioning it as a viable alternative to the established political order, which has been marred by corruption and economic mismanagement.

How we got here

The election follows a period of severe economic crisis in Sri Lanka, which peaked in 2022, leading to mass protests and the resignation of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Dissanayake's rise reflects a shift in public sentiment towards leftist politics and a desire for reform.

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