Anura aims for strong foothold in Sri Lanka’s parliament
Sri Lanka’s vote count is underway after a snap parliamentary election, just weeks after President Anura Kumara Dissanayake took office. Dissanayake, from the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) party, aims to secure a majority to deliver on promises of anti-corruption reforms and stability amid economic hardship. Rising costs remain a pressing concern for voters, with poverty affecting nearly 26% of the population and inflation continuing to strain households.
The election saw a low-profile campaign with voter turnout estimated at 60-65%. Nearly two-thirds of former MPs chose not to seek re-election, including key figures from the former Rajapaksa administration. The fragmented opposition, led by Sajith Premadasa, struggled to unify, benefiting Dissanayake’s left-leaning JVP-led coalition. Political analysts suggest the coalition’s strong campaign could result in a notable victory, possibly positioning it for a two-thirds majority to implement its ambitious reforms.
Sri Lanka’s Parliament, with 225 seats, will directly elect 196 MPs, while parties nominate the rest based on proportional votes. Economic issues dominate the political landscape, as food and fuel shortages and a high cost of living persist. The nation’s 2022 crisis, sparked by these shortages, led to the ouster of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the installation of his successor, Ranil Wickremesinghe, who secured a $3 billion IMF bailout. Despite this, citizens like Manjula Devi, a garment worker in Colombo, report ongoing struggles to meet basic needs.
Dissanayake’s coalition advocates for state intervention and lower taxes, appealing to a public frustrated with traditional politics. Observers expect his alliance to capitalize on the fragmented opposition and the low enthusiasm for other candidates. Results expected Friday will reveal if Dissanayake’s coalition achieves the majority needed to push through reforms.
The new government will face immense pressure to deliver on promises amid Sri Lanka’s economic challenges, with the focus on essential goods, services, and economic stability.
