Sri Lanka New President Anura Kumara Dissanayake Set for Parliamentary Victory Amid Economic Crisis
Sri Lanka New President Anura Kumara Dissanayake: In a historic turn for Sri Lanka, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s National People’s Power (NPP) coalition is leading the snap parliamentary elections, securing 97 seats so far and more than 60% of the vote. As the NPP edges closer to the 113 seats needed for a majority in the 225-member parliament, Dissanayake’s reform agenda may gain the momentum needed to address corruption and stabilize Sri Lanka’s struggling economy.
Dissanayake, elected in September, has prioritized anti-corruption measures and economic recovery following one of the country’s worst financial crises. High inflation and surging living costs, along with food and fuel shortages, have fueled voter dissatisfaction. With widespread public frustration over economic hardship, the NPP’s left-leaning policies, which include state intervention and reduced taxes, have resonated with many Sri Lankans.
The election comes after the NPP, led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), expanded its influence considerably. In the outgoing parliament, the JVP held just three seats, marking a major shift in Sri Lanka’s political landscape. Dissanayake called for these elections shortly after taking office, asserting that a new mandate was essential to pursue his vision for reform.
Sri Lanka’s parliament is composed of 225 seats, with 196 MPs directly elected, while the remaining seats are allotted through proportional representation. This election is critical not only for the NPP’s policies but also for Dissanayake’s ability to implement structural changes. Analysts predict the NPP will perform well; however, it remains uncertain if the coalition will achieve the two-thirds majority needed to enact sweeping reforms.
The current election marks a departure from Sri Lanka’s recent political past. In the 2022 economic crisis, protests led to the ouster of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, after which his successor, Ranil Wickremesinghe, secured a $3 billion IMF bailout to stabilize the economy. Yet economic hardship persists, with poverty rates rising and limited financial relief for citizens. According to the World Bank, Sri Lanka’s economy is projected to grow by only 2.2% in 2024.
A notable feature of this election is the withdrawal of many seasoned politicians, including members of the influential Rajapaksa family. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, whom Dissanayake defeated in the presidential race, struggled to mount a unified challenge. Fragmentation within opposition ranks further bolstered the NPP’s chances, with smaller parties and independent candidates dividing opposition support.
Observers note that Dissanayake’s coalition ran a spirited campaign, distinguishing itself through a stronger grassroots presence. His rise reflects growing disenchantment with established political players and a desire for economic policies focused on the public’s needs. Sri Lanka’s path forward remains uncertain, but with a clear parliamentary majority, the NPP may gain the support necessary to address the country’s pressing challenges.
