Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been sworn in as Sri Lanka’s new president, pledging to promote “clean” politics as the country recovers from its severe economic crisis. His election is viewed as a rejection of long-standing corruption and cronyism.
Dissanayake, a left-leaning politician, emphasized the need for a new political culture and strengthening democracy, stating, “I am not a magician—I am an ordinary citizen.”
He aims to unite Sri Lankans of all backgrounds and tackle governance issues, promising good governance and anti-corruption measures while focusing on developing the manufacturing, agriculture, and IT sectors.
Following the resignation of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Dissanayake indicated plans to dissolve parliament to align it with the people’s will. He secured 5,740,179 votes in a closely contested election, defeating opposition leader Sajith Premadasa.
The new president faces the challenge of reviving an economy crippled by a debt crisis and soaring inflation, which peaked at 70%.
Dissanayake’s administration will continue the deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) while seeking to alleviate the effects of austerity on the most vulnerable citizens.
