Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s leftist party sweeps snap elections in Sri Lanka

New Delhi, Nov 15: Anura Kumara Dissanayake won a resounding victory in the snap general elections. The leftist president’s coalition, the National People’s Power (NPP), secured a decisive mandate, strengthening his grip on the legislature and bolstering his agenda to tackle poverty and corruption in a nation still grappling with economic turmoil.

Dissanayake, a leftist, first captured the presidency in September on the slogan of uprooting corruption and graft and reclaiming stolen public assets. His message resonated with a frustrated local population disillusioned by years of mismanagement under established political parties, leading to a massive financial collapse in 2022 that led to a series of protests.

This led to snap parliamentary elections, held shortly after his presidential win, which saw the NPP clinch at least 123 of the 225 seats, with votes still being tallied. Early results showed the coalition winning a commanding 62% of the vote, leaving the main opposition, led by Sajith Premadasa’s Samagi Jana Balawegaya party, trailing with just 18%.

Dissanayake’s earlier move within months of earlier victory to dissolve the parliament and call for fresh elections was a calculated gamble, aimed at securing the legislative majority support needed to push through his ambitious reform agenda.

His strategy paid off, as the electorate endorsed his call for a new direction, rebuffing traditional powerhouses like the Rajapaksa dynasty and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, whose New Democratic Front secured a mere three seats.

The outcome highlights a shift in Sri Lankan politics, marking the first time a single party has dominated under the proportional representation system. Voters’ frustrations with soaring inflation, food shortages, and stagnant economic growth have clearly manifested in this electoral verdict.

The financial crisis of 2022, that saw the ousting of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, left a deep scar. Although Wickremesinghe’s interim leadership secured a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund, many Sri Lankans continue to endure severe economic hardship, with the poverty rate surging to 25.9%.

Dissanayake’s coalition, having previously held only a handful of seats, is now poised to command significant influence. Nearly two-thirds of incumbents opted out of the race, including prominent figures from the former ruling party, signalling a broader rejection of the old guard.

Despite the decisive win, Dissanayake faces an uphill battle to deliver on his promises. His platform emphasised tax cuts, support for local industries, and comprehensive anti-corruption measures. However, with Sri Lanka’s economic prospects still bleak, growth is forecasted at just 2.2% in 2024.

The new administration will be under immense pressure to act swiftly. The public’s expectations for concrete improvements in living standards are high, especially after years of economic mismanagement and political turmoil.

Dissanayake’s rise marks a departure from Sri Lanka’s traditional political dichotomy. His Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), now the backbone of the NPP, has historically advocated for strong state intervention in the economy, diverging sharply from the earlier political policies that have dominated the country’s recent past.

Observers note that the NPP’s campaign, which capitalised on public discontent and promised a fresh start, was instrumental in its success. Yet, the hard work begins now. The economic crisis remains a formidable challenge, and the government will have to strike a delicate balance between addressing immediate needs—such as easing inflation and ensuring access to basic goods and laying the groundwork for long-term structural reforms.

As Sri Lanka stands at this political crossroads, the onus is on Dissanayake and his newly empowered coalition to deliver on their promises. The path to recovery is full of challenges, but the landslide win gives the president a rare opportunity to implement transformative policies.

Whether this electoral mandate translates into tangible improvements for the people remains to be seen, but for now, the message from Sri Lankan voters is clear, they are ready for a new political chapter, one that breaks with the past and seeks a different future.