Anura Kumara Dissanayaka of the People's Liberation Front (JVP) has won Sri Lanka's presidential election in a landslide victory. Dissanayaka, a self-professed Marxist, pledged to renegotiate the terms of the IMF rescue package and address the economic hardships facing the nation.
Sri Lanka 's president-elect Anura Kumara Dissanayaka , gestures upon his arrival at the Election Commission office in Colombo on 22 September 2024, after his victory in the country's presidential election . Outgoing Sri Lanka n President Ranil Wickremesinghe, on 22 September, congratulated his Marxist rival Anura Kumara Dissanayaka for winning the island nation's presidential polls.
Despite the JVP's history of violence and previous marginal role in politics, Dissanayaka's victory reflects a shift in public sentiment, driven by a desire to address the economic hardships and change the political culture in Sri Lanka. The previously fringe politician, whose party led two failed uprisings that left tens of thousands dead, saw a surge of support after the country's 2022 economic meltdown forced painful hardships upon ordinary Sri Lankans.
Wickremesinghe, 75, imposed steep tax hikes and other austerity measures per the terms of an International Monetary Fund bailout. Dissanayaka has vowed to press ahead with the IMF rescue package negotiated by his predecessor last year but modify its terms in order to deliver tax cuts.
Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayaka Presidential Election JVP IMF Rescue Package Economic Crisis
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