Sri Lanka on Thursday (Nov. 14) voted in snap parliamentary elections, in which the new leftist President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's party is expected to solidify its mandate for economic reforms in the wake of a severe national crisis.

The coalition — National People's Power (NPP), led by Dissanayake's JVP or the People's Liberation Front, enters the race with only three seats from the last assembly.

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Around 17.1 million Sri Lankans are choosing from between 8,800 candidates. For the polling process, 80,000 police personnel have been deployed and drones are being used to monitor voting areas—a historic first for Sri Lanka, according to police spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa.

Voting will close at 4:00 pm (1030 GMT).

<h2>Who is Dissanayake?</h2>

Anura Kumara Dissanayake took power after sweeping the September elections. He came to power promising to curb corruption and reclaim misappropriated assets and is looking to secure a two-thirds majority in the 225-seat legislature.

He has been an MP for over two decades — nearly 25 years, and served as Sri Lanka's agriculture minister briefly.

While the JVP party has insurgent roots, leading two insurrections in the 1970s and ’80s — leading to the deaths of at least 80,000 people, Dissanayake took power peacefully on September 21, reports AFP.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-president-dissanayake-pledges-to-return-state-grabbed-lands-to-tamils-775158">Sri Lanka's President Dissanayake pledges to return state-grabbed lands to Tamils</a>

For voters like 70-year-old Milton Gankandage in Colombo, Dissanayake offers a break from the cycle of disillusionment with previous leaders. “I expect a new country, a new government that is friendly towards the people,” he said.

While Dissanayake has so far chosen to maintain a controversial $2.9 billion IMF bailout initially brokered by his predecessor, the move has gained cautious support from major business leaders like the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, who see it as a necessary foundation for stability. “Continuing reforms... could encourage both investor confidence and fiscal discipline, setting a foundation for sustainable growth,” noted Chamber Secretary Bhuwanekabahu Perera.

Yet not everyone is convinced. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa has pledged to keep pressure on the new president for tax relief.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka on Thursday (Nov. 14) voted in snap parliamentary elections, in which the new leftist President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's party is expected to solidify its mandate for economic reforms in the wake of a severe national crisis.

Sri Lanka on Thursday (Nov. 14) voted in snap parliamentary elections, in which the new leftist President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's party is expected to solidify its mandate for economic reforms in the wake of a severe national crisis. The coalition — National People's Power (NPP), led by Dissanayake's JVP or the People's Liberation Front, enters the race with only three seats from the last assembly. Also read | Sri Lanka set for snap polls on November 14: Here's how parliament is elected Around 17.1 million Sri Lankans are choosing from between 8,800 candidates. For the polling process, 80,000 police personnel have been deployed and drones are being used to monitor voting areas—a historic first for Sri Lanka, according to police spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa. Voting will close at 4:00 pm (1030 GMT). Who is Dissanayake? Anura Kumara Dissanayake took power after sweeping the September elections. He came to power promising to curb corruption and reclaim misappropriated assets and is looking to secure a two-thirds majority in the 225-seat legislature. He has been an MP for over two decades — nearly 25 years, and served as Sri Lanka's agriculture minister briefly. While the JVP party has insurgent roots, leading two insurrections in the 1970s and ’80s — leading to the deaths of at least 80,000 people, Dissanayake took power peacefully on September 21, reports AFP. Also read | Sri Lanka's President Dissanayake pledges to return state-grabbed lands to Tamils For voters like 70-year-old Milton Gankandage in Colombo, Dissanayake offers a break from the cycle of disillusionment with previous leaders. “I expect a new country, a new government that is friendly towards the people,” he said. While Dissanayake has so far chosen to maintain a controversial $2.9 billion IMF bailout initially brokered by his predecessor, the move has gained cautious support from major business leaders like the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, who see it as a necessary foundation for stability. “Continuing reforms... could encourage both investor confidence and fiscal discipline, setting a foundation for sustainable growth,” noted Chamber Secretary Bhuwanekabahu Perera. Yet not everyone is convinced. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa has pledged to keep pressure on the new president for tax relief. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka: 17.1 million vote in snap elections as President Dissanayake seeks stronger mandate

Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday (Nov 10) vowed to return land currently controlled by state agencies to Tamils in the country’s war-affected north and east.

<h2>What did he say?</h2>

Speaking at a rally in Jaffna just days ahead of the November 14 parliamentary elections, Dissanayake pledged that his government would return lands taken by the archaeology and forestry departments, which have sparked protests from local communities.

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This was his first rally in Tamil-majority areas since becoming president in September. Acknowledging that his previous campaign in Tamil regions had fallen short, Dissanayake admitted his party, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), had not done enough to connect with Tamil voters. He promised to work harder to earn their trust.

“We got just over 27,000 votes in Jaffna. This was because we did not convey our message effectively to the Tamil-speaking people. It was also because we did not work as hard in the north as we did in the [Sinhala majority] south.” He said that the situation had been now rectified.

The president also announced that elections for provincial councils and local bodies—currently suspended—would be held soon, allowing Tamils to elect their own representatives.

“We will make sure that your own representatives can lead and govern your areas,” he said.

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Dissanayake did not directly address the longstanding demand for more political autonomy for the Tamil regions. His election manifesto, however, promises that a new constitution would tackle the ethnic issue, though the specifics remain unclear.

His rally saw an enthusiastic turnout, with many participants seeing it as a sign of growing support for him among Tamils who had previously been sceptical of his leadership due to his party's past opposition to Tamil rights.

“So many of you showing up today shows that you are willing to place your trust in us,” President Dissanayake said.

Addressing the region’s economic challenges, including concerns like joblessness and the growing use of narcotics, Dissanayake vowed to revive local industries, support farmers and fishermen, and protect local marine resources from illegal fishing by Indian trawlers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday (Nov 10) vowed to return land currently controlled by state agencies to Tamils in the country’s war-affected north and east.

Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday (Nov 10) vowed to return land currently controlled by state agencies to Tamils in the country’s war-affected north and east. What did he say? Speaking at a rally in Jaffna just days ahead of the November 14 parliamentary elections, Dissanayake pledged that his government would return lands taken by the archaeology and forestry departments, which have sparked protests from local communities. Also read | Pakistan suspends all train operations to and from Quetta railway station after terrorist attack This was his first rally in Tamil-majority areas since becoming president in September. Acknowledging that his previous campaign in Tamil regions had fallen short, Dissanayake admitted his party, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), had not done enough to connect with Tamil voters. He promised to work harder to earn their trust. “We got just over 27,000 votes in Jaffna. This was because we did not convey our message effectively to the Tamil-speaking people. It was also because we did not work as hard in the north as we did in the [Sinhala majority] south.” He said that the situation had been now rectified. The president also announced that elections for provincial councils and local bodies—currently suspended—would be held soon, allowing Tamils to elect their own representatives. “We will make sure that your own representatives can lead and govern your areas,” he said. Also read | Sri Lanka detains three for plotting attacks on Israelis following India’s intel Dissanayake did not directly address the longstanding demand for more political autonomy for the Tamil regions. His election manifesto, however, promises that a new constitution would tackle the ethnic issue, though the specifics remain unclear. His rally saw an enthusiastic turnout, with many participants seeing it as a sign of growing support for him among Tamils who had previously been sceptical of his leadership due to his party's past opposition to Tamil rights. “So many of you showing up today shows that you are willing to place your trust in us,” President Dissanayake said. Addressing the region’s economic challenges, including concerns like joblessness and the growing use of narcotics, Dissanayake vowed to revive local industries, support farmers and fishermen, and protect local marine resources from illegal fishing by Indian trawlers. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka's President Dissanayake pledges to return state-grabbed lands to Tamils

Sri Lanka’s newly sworn-in President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has vowed to bring "cleaner" politics to the nation in his inauguration speech, promising to tackle corruption and uphold transparency. Shortly after his swearing-in, the Indian High Commissioner met with Dissanayake, highlighting the importance of bilateral ties as Sri Lanka embarks on a new chapter in its political landscape.

Big Challenge Ahead For Dissanayake: Fresh Parliamentary Polls Ahead?