- Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the National People’s Power (NPP), was sworn in as Sri Lanka’s 9th president after a decisive election victory.
- The new president plans to tackle corruption and restore public trust while aiming for economic recovery amidst the aftermath of the 2022 crisis.
- Dissanayake’s government will focus on minimizing cabinet ministries and prioritizing sectors like agriculture, with a special emphasis on deputy ministers.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake has officially become Sri Lanka’s president, taking the oath of office on Monday morning. His victory in the 2024 presidential election marked a significant shift in Sri Lankan politics.
The National People’s Power (NPP) party he leads emerged with overwhelming support. Dissanayake’s primary promises include tackling corruption, cleaning up politics, and working toward economic recovery, following a tumultuous period marked by a severe economic collapse and widespread protests in 2022.
Sri Lanka’s New President Dissanayake Pledges to Tackle Corruption and Economic Recovery
As leader of the National People’s Power (NPP) and a key figure in the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), Dissanayake brings a history of activism and revolutionary ideals. His political ideology has evolved over time, and while he advocates for a strong welfare state, he is not entirely opposed to privatization and recognizes the need for a mixed economy.
One of the key aspects of Dissanayake’s presidency will be the reshaping of Sri Lanka’s cabinet structure. He has pledged to avoid appointing state ministers, a position which has often been criticized for its redundancy.
Instead, his administration will focus on a streamlined cabinet with a greater number of deputy ministers. Ministries critical to the country’s recovery, such as agriculture and land, may see multiple deputy ministers to handle the increased workload.
The political landscape in Sri Lanka has shifted dramatically in the wake of mass protests that led to the ouster of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022. Dissanayake’s election marks a significant break from the previous leadership, which was heavily criticized for its handling of the economic crisis.
With the backing of a strong parliamentary mandate, Dissanayake now has an opportunity to lead Sri Lanka through a challenging period and restore stability to both the economy and the political system.
Dissanayake’s presidency comes at a crucial moment in Sri Lanka’s history, as the country seeks to recover from its economic turmoil and rebuild trust in its leadership. His bold approach to reducing corruption and streamlining governance offers hope for a fresh start.
“I will do my best to fully restore the people’s confidence in politicians,” said Anura Kumara Dissanayake after his presidential oath, reflecting his commitment to political reform.
