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Sri Lanka has witnessed a significant political shift with the victory of Marxist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake in the recent presidential election. Dissanayake, at 55 years old, secured 42.31% of the vote, defeating incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa. This victory marks a historical moment for Dissanayake's Marxist party, which has faced political setbacks in the past, including two failed uprisings in the 1970s and 1980s that resulted in heavy casualties. The election is seen as a referendum on the controversial $2.9 billion IMF bailout agreement, with public discontent over the bailout playing a major role in the election's outcome.
In his victory speech, Dissanayake emphasized the need for national unity, calling for the unification of Sri Lanka's diverse population, including Sinhalese, Tamils, and Muslims. He expressed a vision for a “new renaissance” that would be driven by this shared strength and vision, promising a “fresh start” to address the country's challenges. While Dissanayake's party has pledged not to abolish the IMF bailout agreement, it has indicated an intention to renegotiate the terms, reflecting the public sentiment against the deal.
The election process, despite simmering public dissatisfaction, was conducted peacefully. A night curfew was imposed on Saturday as a precautionary measure. Outgoing President Wickremesinghe congratulated Dissanayake, expressing his hope for the nation's future under the new president. Dissanayake, in a heartfelt message, acknowledged the collective effort that led to his victory, expressing gratitude for the sacrifices of those who fought for the cause. He recognized the responsibility that comes with his new position, vowing to carry forward the hopes and struggles of those who came before him. The election results signal a new chapter in Sri Lanka's political landscape, with the nation awaiting the implementation of Dissanayake's vision for national unity and economic recovery.
Source: 'We seek fresh start': Marxist leader Dissanayake after winning Sri Lanka presidential polls