Anura Kumara Dissanayake: Sri Lanka's New President Takes Office

National People's Power (NPP) candidate, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has been declared the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka.
The Election Commission made the formal announcement on Sunday, 22nd September, following the conclusion of the 2024 Presidential Election.

Election Results Announced

According to the commission, Mr. Dissanayake, aged 55, secured 42.31% of the vote in the election held on Saturday, 21st September. His victory placed him ahead of opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, who finished second, and incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who came in third. This was a significant turnaround for Dissanayake, who had garnered just over 3% of the vote in the 2019 Presidential Election. It suggests that many voters have grown tired of Sri Lanka’s traditional political figures, often blamed for the country’s economic challenges.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that Mr. Dissanayake will be sworn in as President on Monday, 23rd September.

A Message of Unity and Change

After the results were confirmed, Dissanayake took to social media platform ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter) to express his gratitude and vision for the future. He shared:

“The dream we’ve nurtured for years is now becoming a reality. This victory isn’t the achievement of one individual, but the result of the dedication of hundreds of thousands of you. Your efforts have brought us to this point, and for that, I am truly grateful. This triumph belongs to all of us.
"Our journey has been built on the sacrifices of many who gave their sweat, tears, and even their lives. We remember them today as we carry forward their dreams and struggles. The hope and expectations of millions are what drive us forward. Together, we will reshape Sri Lanka's future.
"This vision can only be realised with a fresh beginning. The unity of Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, and all Sri Lankans will be the foundation of this new chapter. The New Renaissance we seek will emerge from this shared strength and unity. Let us build this future together!”

A Historic Election

A record 38 candidates competed in this year's presidential election. For the first time in Sri Lankan history, a second-preference vote count was held after no candidate secured over 50% of the vote in the initial count. The final announcement was made after this second round of counting. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa finished second, while the sitting President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, was eliminated after the first round.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, aged 56, won nearly eight million votes to claim the presidency. His campaign, rooted in the values of his Marxist party, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), promised sweeping reforms, an end to corruption, and a commitment to economic stability. His success has been hailed as a political revolution achieved through the ballot box.

Early Life and Political Journey

Dissanayake was born in Thambuttegama, in the North Central District of Anuradhapura. Describing himself as the son of "working-class parents," he attended local public schools and became the first student from Thambuttegama to attend university. His involvement in student politics led him to join the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) in 1987. After facing threats, he transferred from the University of Peradeniya to the University of Kelaniya, where he graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Throughout his political career, Dissanayake has been an outspoken critic of nepotism, cronyism, and corruption. Both in parliament and on the streets, he has been a strong advocate for accountability and good governance. His calls to dismantle family rule, implement financial reforms, and strengthen governance structures resonated with many Sri Lankans disillusioned by the existing political system.

A New Beginning for Sri Lanka

Dissanayake was officially sworn in as the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka at a ceremonial event held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya administered the oath in the presence of a large crowd of party supporters and well-wishers.

In his inaugural speech, Dissanayake reiterated his commitment to the people of Sri Lanka. He emphasised that this was not just a personal victory, but a collective achievement, representing the will and aspirations of millions of Sri Lankans.

A President for Change

Dissanayake’s election marks a significant moment in Sri Lanka’s political history. Known popularly as "AKD," he has become the first President to be elected through a run-off process. Under his leadership, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), once a marginal party, now finds itself at the heart of Sri Lankan politics.

The rise of Dissanayake and his party has been fuelled by their strong stance against corruption and their desire to change the nation’s political culture. As he takes on the role of President, many hope that Dissanayake’s leadership will bring about the change and renewal that the country so desperately needs.