In Colombo, Sri Lanka, Dilshan Jayasanka sees the victory of Anura Kumara Dissanayake as Sri Lanka’s first Marxist-leaning president as the start of a new direction for the crisis-ridden country. Just over two years ago, Jayasanka, a 29-year-old former floor manager at a restaurant in Colombo, was a regular participant in protests aimed at overthrowing the government of then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who was held responsible for Sri Lanka’s worst economic crisis since gaining independence from British rule in 1948. After losing his job due to the financial collapse, Jayasanka made the protest tent city of Gota Go Gama his home. He now sees many former non-partisan protesters from the “Aragalaya” movement joining the National Peoples Power (NPP) alliance led by Dissanayake.
Following Dissanayake’s inauguration as the ninth president of Sri Lanka, Jayasanka expressed optimism for the future, believing that his victory will lead to positive changes in the country. He praised Dissanayake for appointing Harini Amarasuriya, one of NPP’s legislators, as the country’s first female prime minister in 24 years. Jayasanka, who actively participated in the Aragalaya movement, commended this decision and expressed hope for a better Sri Lanka under their leadership.
Dissanayake wasted no time in making significant changes, dissolving the parliament and calling for a snap election in November. His political party, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), played a crucial role in the 2022 protests and has since renounced violence. Dissanayake’s campaign focused on fighting corruption, reviving the economy, and promoting unity among the ethnically diverse population of Sri Lanka.
While Dissanayake’s victory was celebrated by many, including members of the Tamil community who saw it as an opportunity for change, there are concerns about his ability to address the grievances of all communities in the country. The scars of the civil war and the unresolved Tamil question continue to impact Sri Lanka’s politics, and Dissanayake’s success will be measured by his ability to promote reconciliation and inclusivity.
Overall, Dissanayake’s victory represents a significant departure from the traditional elite in Sri Lankan politics, with hopes that his presidency will usher in a new era of governance that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of the people.