Anura Kumara Dissanayake was officially sworn in as the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka in a ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. The event, presided over by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the island nation.
Dissanayake, aged 56, emerged victorious in a tightly contested presidential election, defeating his main rival, Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). The election required a second round of vote counting, a rare occurrence, as no candidate secured the requisite 50% of votes in the initial round. Dissanayake garnered 5.74 million votes compared to Premadasa’s 4.53 million, solidifying his win with a strong mandate from the electorate.
The newly elected president is the leader of the National People’s Power (NPP), a coalition led by the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). His campaign, which focused heavily on anti-corruption and promises of political reform, resonated deeply with the younger generation and those disillusioned by traditional politics. The election is notable for being the first since the mass protests in 2022 that led to the resignation of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, highlighting a demand for substantial change in governance.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, political leaders, and international representatives. In his inaugural speech, Dissanayake expressed his gratitude to outgoing President Ranil Wickremesinghe for ensuring a smooth and peaceful transition of power. He emphasized the importance of national unity and the need to address the pressing economic issues facing the country. “We stand at a crucial juncture where we must work collectively to rebuild our nation,” Dissanayake stated, calling for cooperation across all political and social spectra.
In a related development, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena resigned from his post to facilitate the transition of power. This resignation is part of the broader political shift following the presidential election. The Election Commission’s decision to conduct a second round of counting underscored the close nature of the race and the high voter turnout, reflecting the electorate’s strong desire for change.
International leaders have welcomed Dissanayake’s election, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various other heads of state extending their congratulations. Observers from international bodies, who were present to monitor the election, have commended the democratic process in Sri Lanka, noting the peaceful conduct of the elections and the transparency of the counting process.
As President Dissanayake assumes office, he faces the daunting task of steering Sri Lanka out of its economic crisis. The country has been grappling with severe economic challenges, including a significant debt burden, high inflation, and a need for comprehensive economic reforms. Dissanayake’s administration is expected to focus on anti-corruption measures, economic stabilization, and fostering a new political culture aimed at greater transparency and accountability.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s inauguration as Sri Lanka’s president marks the beginning of a new chapter for the country. With a strong mandate from the people and a commitment to reform, his leadership will be closely watched both domestically and internationally. The challenges ahead are significant, but the hope for a revitalized and corruption-free governance brings a sense of optimism to the nation.
