Marxist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake was sworn in as the new President of Sri Lanka.
–Galla S Kiran Kumar, Bureau Chief
He got only three percent of the votes in the last election. In this election, he gained unprecedented popularity by campaigning extensively with the slogans of change and building an anti-corruption society. While pointing out the corruption and failures of the past rulers in the election speeches, he explained the importance of accountability to the people.
The youth, who want to see a change in the system, have been impressed by the anti-corruption attitude of Sri Lanka’s economic crisis and the leadership vacuum caused by Rajapaksa’s resignation. Thus, making the fight against corruption a campaign weapon, he secured 42.31 percent of the votes and won a sensational victory over his nearest rival, Sajith Premadasa Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB).
Polling for Sri Lanka’s presidential election was held on Saturday, counting of votes was done on Sunday. Even after the first preference votes were counted, no candidate got more than 50 percent of the votes required for victory. With this, a second round of counting was undertaken to determine the victory. Kumara Dissanayake was successful in this. More than 75 percent of the total 1.7 crore registered voters voted. This time there is a three-way fight in the presidential election.
Entered politics in 1987.
Dissanayake made his political debut in 1987 by joining the Marxist-influenced Janata Vimukti Peramuna (JVP). By 1998, he got a place in the Politburo. Took charge as MP in 2000. In 2004, he played a key role in the formation of the JNP government along with the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. Served as Minister in Chandrika Kumaratunga Government.
