Marxist-leaning politician Anura Kumara Dissanayake is leading the race in Sri Lanka’s historic presidential election, which has entered a second round of counting due to no candidate receiving the required 50 percent of votes. Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been disqualified, along with the other 36 candidates. Dissanayake, a member of the National People’s Power coalition, has promised welfare measures and criticized austerity measures imposed by the IMF. Meanwhile, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, son of a former president, has also vowed to renegotiate the IMF deal. The economy was a key issue in the election, with voters swayed by the candidates’ promises to address the cost-of-living crisis. Dissanayake’s popularity surged after protests in 2022 forced the previous president to resign, paving the way for Wickremesinghe. The high voter turnout of about 75 percent reflects the significance of this election for the people of Sri Lanka. The final result is eagerly awaited as the country stands on the brink of significant political change.
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