Left-leaning leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake wins Sri Lanka presidential election
Anura Kumara Dissanayake won the Sri Lankan presidential election on Sunday, defeating current President Ranil Wickremesinghe and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa.
The Election Commission announced that approximately 75% of the 17 million eligible voters participated in the election.
The commission further stated that 55-year-old Anura Kumara Dissanayake secured 5.6 million votes, 42.3% of the total, surpassing opposition leader Sajith Premadasa. Interim President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who has been in office for two years, became third.
This was the first time in Sri Lankan history that the presidential election results were determined after a second round of counting, as no candidate secured 50% of the votes in the first round.
Dissanayake has pledged to voters that he will fight corruption. The new president also plans to reduce taxes on food and medicine.
Thousands of protesters stormed and surrounded the presidential palace in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, two years ago. The demonstrations led to clashes between protesters and government supporters. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned under pressure from the opposition, and the cabinet was dissolved.
During these nationwide protests, eight people, including a deputy of the ruling party and two police officers, were killed, and at least 250 were injured.
Dissanayake’s victory marks a significant shift in Sri Lanka’s political landscape. Voters responded to his promises to combat corruption and ease economic burdens. His focus on reducing food and medicine taxes resonates with a population still reeling from economic challenges.
The election also highlights the political unrest that has shaken Sri Lanka in recent years, with mass protests leading to the downfall of previous leadership. Dissanayake’s administration faces the challenge of stabilizing the country and restoring public trust.
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