Colombo, Sept 23:   Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Marxist-leaning leader of the People’s Liberation Front (JVP) and the National People’s Power (NPP) alliance, has been sworn in as Sri Lanka’s new president. He took his oath at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo following his victory in Saturday’s election.

In his speech, Dissanayake acknowledged the complex challenges facing the country and pledged to work hard to meet the expectations of the people. “I will do my best to restore public confidence in politicians,” he said, vowing to seek expert advice and the support of all citizens to address the nation’s issues.

Winning the presidency with 42.31% of the vote, Dissanayake’s campaign focused on anti-corruption and political reform. This election is the first since mass protests forced former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa out of office in 2022 amid a severe economic crisis.

Although the economic situation has somewhat stabilized with IMF support, tough austerity measures have made life difficult for many, leading to a voter rejection of outgoing President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Dissanayake, once a student leader during the JVP’s insurgencies, now steps into leadership as Sri Lanka seeks solutions to its political and economic challenges.