On September 30, 2024, Sri Lanka elected Anura Kumara Dissanayake as president, marking a significant shift from the political elite that had been blamed for the country's recent economic collapse. Dissanayake, a Marxist lawmaker and leader of the National People's Power (NPP), is perceived as a 'practical nationalist' who is likely to prioritize India's security concerns while balancing relations with China [26a2245d].
This election comes on the heels of a severe economic crisis that peaked with inflation rates reaching 70%, although inflation has since cooled. Dissanayake's administration faces immediate challenges, including addressing the economic fallout and improving governance, anti-corruption measures, and human rights [2932f5f1].
India has played a significant role in Sri Lanka's recovery, providing approximately US$4 billion during the economic crisis, which has strengthened bilateral ties [26a2245d]. Dissanayake's NPP, which has traditionally favored China, is now showing diminished anti-India sentiment, indicating a potential shift in foreign policy priorities [26a2245d].
Dissanayake's victory was characterized by a peaceful election process, with a voter turnout of around 76% among the 17.1 million eligible voters [611ae759]. Following the election, he swiftly dissolved parliament and called for new elections on November 14, 2024, as part of his strategy to restructure governance [2932f5f1].
In a notable development, Harini Amarasuriya has been appointed as the new Prime Minister, becoming the third woman to hold this position in Sri Lanka's history [2932f5f1]. As the nation navigates its leadership transition, Dissanayake's administration is expected to focus on economic stability and may include a ban on Chinese vessels in Sri Lankan waters, further emphasizing the balancing act between India and China [26a2245d].
Political analysts have noted that if no candidate achieves a majority, a second round of voting may be necessary, complicating the electoral outcome [2194cc08]. Ethnic tensions, particularly among the Tamil and Muslim communities, remain a concern as these groups closely monitor the candidates' positions on relevant issues [ce6d1126]. With the curfew in place following the polls, the nation awaits the results that will determine its leadership and future direction [611ae759].