Anura Kumara Dissanayake sworn in as 9th president of Sri Lanka

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, head of the Marxist-leaning Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) party, was sworn in on Monday as the ninth President of Sri Lanka, making history as the nation’s first leftist leader. The ceremony was held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, where Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya administered the oath.

Dissanayake, 55, beat 38 other candidates in Saturday's presidential election in a landslide fuelled by public anger over the nation's unprecedented economic crisis in 2022. The election, held on Saturday, was marked by a run-off as no candidate secured enough votes initially.

"The dream we have nurtured for centuries is finally coming true. This achievement is not the result of any single person’s work, but the collective effort of hundreds of thousands of you. Your commitment has brought us this far, and for that, I am deeply grateful. This victory belongs to all of us," 55-year-old Dissanayake, also popularly known as AKD, said in a post on X after the final result was announced by the Lankan Election Commission post 7 pm Sunday.

Dissanayake received 42.31% of the votes, while Sajith Premadasa finished second and the former president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, came in third. "Our journey here has been paved by the sacrifices of so many who gave their sweat, tears, and even their lives for this cause. Their sacrifices are not forgotten. We hold the sceptre of their hopes and struggles, knowing the responsibility it carries. The millions of eyes filled with hope and expectation push us forward, and together, we stand ready to rewrite Sri Lankan history," the Presidential race winner mentioned.

"This dream can only be realised with a fresh start. The unity of Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, and all Sri Lankans is the bedrock of this new beginning. The New Renaissance we seek will rise from this shared strength and vision. Let us join hands and shape this future together!" said Dissanayake.

Dissanayake has been an important figure in Sri Lankan politics for many years. Born in 1968 in a small village, he grew up in a modest family. He was the first student from his school to attend university, where he studied physical science.

His political career began in 1987 when he joined the JVP during a period of unrest. He quickly climbed the ranks and has served in various capacities, including as a minister. In 2014, he became the leader of the JVP. "Looting, corruption and defying court orders continue to happen even to this day. The Aragalaya achieved only half a victory as Parliament was not dissolved. So, we hope the other half can be achieved in this presidential election," he said, responding to questions about his party's involvement in the movement, in an interview.

Dissanayake's influence grew during Sri Lanka's recent economic crisis, which led to public protests and the resignation of the former president. He has denied claims that foreign countries, particularly China, are funding his campaign. "We are a small force, but we cannot be bought over by any country or organisation," he said, adding that the accusations were spread by leaders who themselves had been compromised.

With his election, Dissanayake may bring massive changes to Sri Lanka's political landscape.

Agency