Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s victory as Sri Lanka’s first Marxist-leaning president marks a new beginning for Dilshan Jayasanka, who was part of the 2022 protests to overthrow the previous government. Jayasanka views Dissanayake’s election as positive and hopes for a better Sri Lanka under his leadership. Dissanayake has appointed Harini Amarasuriya as the country’s first female prime minister, aiming to address issues faced by different communities in the crisis-hit nation.
Dissanayake’s victory is seen as a significant reward for the Aragalaya movement, which aimed for system change and unity among ethnic divisions. Notably, his campaign did not focus on the demands of the Tamil community, signaling a need for reconciliation efforts. The election also highlighted a breakdown of traditional politics, with support shifting towards Dissanayake among Muslim voters.
While Dissanayake’s victory is historic and marks a shift from the traditional elite, there are challenges ahead in delivering on promises and addressing grievances. Moving forward, it is hoped that Dissanayake’s presidency will bring about positive political and cultural changes in Sri Lanka. Jayasanka emphasizes the need for everyone to support Dissanayake in fulfilling his promises, as failure to do so could lead to a similar fate as his predecessor.
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