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Anura Dissanayake: Sri Lanka’s Newly Elected President and Hope for a Better Future
By: Nihara E. ‘27
In July of 2022, people from all over Sri Lanka protested around their president's house, forcing President Mahinda Rajapaksa to leave the country. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka began under his presidency in 2019 and still continues to this day. Although Sri Lanka’s economy is showing signs of recovery, their newly elected president, Anura Dissanayake, will face great challenges in his upcoming years to support the people and businesses that were significantly affected.
The economic crisis in Sri Lanka is due to severe shortages of essential goods, uncontrollable inflation, and the collapse in foreign currency reserves. This led to a number of challenges for citizens, with many struggling to afford basic necessities like food, fuel, and medicine. The crisis intensified as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which threatened the country’s dependency on their tourism industry. In addition, poorly thought-out economic policies, including tax cuts and a ban on chemical fertilizers, increased the strain on the economy. President Dissanayake now has the complex task of reforming, restructuring debt, and restoring international confidence in Sri Lanka’s economy.
In the recent election, a preferential voting system was utilized. A preferential voting system considers voters' second and third choices if no candidate secures an outright majority in the first round. This method focuses on ensuring broader representation of the electorate's will. During Dissanayake’s campaign, he promised to tackle corruption, implement economic reforms, and prioritize social welfare programs. He pledged to renegotiate Sri Lanka's foreign debt, attract sustainable investments, and revitalize key industries like agriculture and tourism. His plans include improving healthcare access, strengthening education, and creating job opportunities for youth.
Sri Lanka’s new administration must balance economic recovery with social welfare, while also maintaining their international relationships. President Dissanayake’s leadership and efforts will be crucial to the country’s success, but achieving significant progress will also depend on the cooperation of the Sri Lankan people. As the country steps into this new chapter, all will hope for a sustainable turnaround in Sri Lanka's stability under the presidency of Anura Dissanayake.
Resource links:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c206l7pz5v1o