Source link : https://todaynewsgazette.com/2024/09/23/economy/article12894/
Sri Lankans elected Anura Kumara Dissanayake as their new president, choosing him over any candidates with political lineage in the presidential election. He won after knocking out incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa. He vowed to fight corruption and improve the nation’s fragile economic recovery following a severe financial crisis.
Dissanayake stressed that he views his new role as a responsibility and not just a position. He secured 42.3% of the votes, surpassing his 3% from the last presidential election in 2019, while Premadasa came second with 32.8%.
Wickremesinghe finished third with 17% of the votes, attributing his defeat to frustration with the austerity measures necessary for economic recovery from an economic meltdown during his leadership.
A historic first was met in Sri Lanka’s history when Dissanayake emerged victorious through a second tally system where voters cast three preferential votes initially.
This election was also significant as it took place amid an economy on its knees due to a foreign exchange crisis leading to widespread protests and forcing then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign.
Despite concerns among investors over Dissanayake’s calls for tax cuts which could impact fiscal targets set by IMF loans worth $25 billion, there is hope for some stability in Sri Lanka’s economy this year.
The National People’s Power alliance ran Dissanayake’s campaign along with members of his Marxist-leaning Janatha Vimukthi Peremuna party amid promises for harsh anti-corruption measures and policies aimed at supporting poor citizens. With these promises resonating clear among many voters seeking change at all levels of society.
“We have a strong feeling if we have a good manager to rule this country… we can be successful in future,” said Janak Dias, an estate businessman referencing what he believes is primarily needed to turn Sri Lanka around: better management instead of political lineage or connections.
The post Revolutionary Leader Dissanayake Voted President to Revitalize Sri Lanka’s Economy first appeared on Today News Gazette.
Author : Jean-Pierre CHALLOT
Publish date : 2024-09-23 09:05:36
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