What's happened
Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been sworn in as Sri Lanka's ninth president amid a severe economic crisis. His election follows widespread protests against the previous government. Dissanayake aims to address corruption and economic reform while appointing Harini Amarasuriya as the first female prime minister in 24 years. Parliamentary elections are set for November 14, 2024.
Why it matters
What the papers say
The Guardian highlights Dissanayake's rise as a significant political pivot for Sri Lanka, emphasizing the public's desire for change after years of economic mismanagement. The Japan Times notes the challenges he faces in negotiating with the IMF and bondholders, indicating skepticism about altering existing agreements. Al Jazeera provides insight into the public's optimism surrounding Dissanayake's leadership, particularly regarding his appointment of Harini Amarasuriya as prime minister, marking a historic moment for gender representation in Sri Lankan politics. The Independent underscores the urgency of Dissanayake's promises to address austerity measures and improve governance, while also navigating complex regional dynamics with India and China.
How we got here
Dissanayake's election comes after a period of intense protests that led to the resignation of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022. The country is grappling with a severe economic crisis, having defaulted on its debt for the first time in history. Dissanayake's party, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), has shifted from its radical roots to a more centrist approach.
Common question
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What Challenges Does Sri Lanka Face Under New President Anura Kumara Dissanayake?
Anura Kumara Dissanayake has recently taken office as Sri Lanka's ninth president amid a severe economic crisis and public demand for reform. As he navigates a divided parliament and high expectations, many are left wondering what his leadership will mean for the country's future. Here are some common questions about the challenges and expectations surrounding his presidency.
More on these topics
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Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country in South Asia, located in the Indian Ocean southwest of the Bay of Bengal and southeast of the Arabian Sea.
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Dissanayaka Mudiyanselage Anura Kumara Dissanayaka is a Sri Lankan politician, current Leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and a member of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
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Lieutenant Colonel Nandasena Gotabaya Rajapaksa, RWP, RSP, psc, GR is a Sri Lankan politician, technocrat, and military officer, who is the current President of Sri Lanka.
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Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (Sinhala: ජනතා විමුක්ති පෙරමුණ, Tamil: மக்கள் விடுதலை முன்னணி, lit. 'People's Liberation Front'; JVP) is a Marxist–Leninist communist party and a pol
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Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga (Sinhala: චන්ද්රිකා බණ්ඩාරනායක කුමාරතුංග,Tamil: சந்திரிகா பண்டாரநாயக்க குமாரதுங்க; born 29 June 19