Sri Lanka's new President Anura Kumara Dissanayake called for restarting talks with the IMF "immediately" over a $2.9 billion bailout that threw a lifeline to his bankrupt country but imposed painful austerity.

"We plan to begin negotiations with the International Monetary Fund immediately," Dissanayake said in a&nbsp;televised address to the nation on Wednesday.

In his 10-minute address, Dissanayake said he also wanted to conclude a deal to restructure international sovereign bonds and secure more concessions for the cash-strapped nation.

"To advance our debt restructuring programme, we are negotiating with relevant creditors to expedite the process and secure necessary debt relief," he said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-new-prez-dissolves-parliament-calls-for-snap-polls-761694">Sri Lanka's new prez dissolves parliament, calls for snap polls</a>

His call to resume talks with the IMF came after the international lender of last resort said it was ready to discuss its bailout with the new administration.

"We look forward to working together with President Dissanayake... towards building on the hard-won gains that have helped put Sri Lanka on a path to economic recovery," an IMF spokesperson in Washington said Monday.

"We will discuss the timing of the third review of the IMF-supported programme with the new administration as soon as practicable," the spokesperson said, referring to the periodic review of the bailout.

Watch:&nbsp;Sri Lanka: Newly-elected President Dissanayake Dissolves Parliament, Calls Snap Polls On Nov 14

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Sri Lanka's 2022 economic crisis brought down the country's president at the time, but has proved an opportunity for leftist Dissanayake, who saw his popularity rise after pledging to change the island's "corrupt" political culture.

On Tuesday, Dissanayake dissolved the 225-member parliament in which his once-marginal party had just three seats and called fresh elections for November.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Sri Lanka's new President Anura Kumara Dissanayake called for restarting talks with the IMF "immediately" over a $2.9 billion bailout that threw a lifeline to his bankrupt country but imposed painful austerity.

Sri Lanka's new President Anura Kumara Dissanayake called for restarting talks with the IMF "immediately" over a $2.9 billion bailout that threw a lifeline to his bankrupt country but imposed painful austerity. "We plan to begin negotiations with the International Monetary Fund immediately," Dissanayake said in a televised address to the nation on Wednesday. In his 10-minute address, Dissanayake said he also wanted to conclude a deal to restructure international sovereign bonds and secure more concessions for the cash-strapped nation. "To advance our debt restructuring programme, we are negotiating with relevant creditors to expedite the process and secure necessary debt relief," he said. Also Read: Sri Lanka's new prez dissolves parliament, calls for snap polls His call to resume talks with the IMF came after the international lender of last resort said it was ready to discuss its bailout with the new administration. "We look forward to working together with President Dissanayake... towards building on the hard-won gains that have helped put Sri Lanka on a path to economic recovery," an IMF spokesperson in Washington said Monday. "We will discuss the timing of the third review of the IMF-supported programme with the new administration as soon as practicable," the spokesperson said, referring to the periodic review of the bailout. Watch: Sri Lanka: Newly-elected President Dissanayake Dissolves Parliament, Calls Snap Polls On Nov 14 Sri Lanka's 2022 economic crisis brought down the country's president at the time, but has proved an opportunity for leftist Dissanayake, who saw his popularity rise after pledging to change the island's "corrupt" political culture. On Tuesday, Dissanayake dissolved the 225-member parliament in which his once-marginal party had just three seats and called fresh elections for November. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sri Lankan president calls for ‘immediate’ fresh talks with IMF over $2.9 billion bailout

Sri Lanka's newly elected president Anura Kumara Dissanayake made his first national address. He has said that the priority is to stabilize the economy and also said that his government intends to continue with the current Loan program with the international monetary fund and also focus on debt restructuring. Watch in for more details!

Sri Lanka President Dissanayake Addresses The Nation, Says 'Will Focus On Stabilising The Economy'

In one of his first significant moves as Sri Lanka's newly-elected President, leftist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake today dissolved the country's Parliament and called for snap polls within one month. The aim behind the move is for the new leader to follow-up on his electoral promise of bringing change in Sri Lanka's decades-old rule by political families. Watch in for more details!

Sri Lanka: Newly Elected President Dissanayake Calls For Snap Parliamentary Poll

Sri Lanka's newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has dissolved parliament to clear the way for a snap general election in the debt-ridden country, he said in a government gazette notification on Tuesday.

The parliamentary election will be held on Nov. 14, the notification said, adding that the next parliament would convene on Nov. 21.

The last general election in Sri Lanka was held in August 2020. Lawmakers are elected for a five-year term.

Sri Lankans chose Dissanayake in a weekend presidential election, giving the Marxist-leaning politician a key role in deciding the future of reforms in the island country that is slowly emerging from a crushing financial crisis.

But his coalition, the National People's Party, has just three of 225 seats in the current parliament, prompting him to dissolve the legislature to seek a fresh mandate there for his policies.

Saturday's presidential vote was Sri Lanka's first election since its economy buckled in 2022 under a severe foreign exchange shortage, leaving it unable to pay for imports of essentials including fuel, medicine and cooking gas. Protests forced then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee and later resign.

Dissanayake promised to bring change for those reeling under austerity measures linked to a $2.9 billion IMF bailout programme following the economic crisis and has also pledged to expand existing welfare schemes.

But his intentions to slash taxes and desire to revisit the terms of the bailout have worried investors, who fear that it could delay a crucial $25 billion debt restructuring.

He will have to ensure the economy returns to sustainable and inclusive growth, reassure local and international markets, attract investors and help a quarter of the 22 million population climb out of poverty.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sri Lanka's newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has dissolved parliament to clear the way for a snap general election in the debt-ridden country, he said in a government gazette notification on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka's newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has dissolved parliament to clear the way for a snap general election in the debt-ridden country, he said in a government gazette notification on Tuesday. The parliamentary election will be held on Nov. 14, the notification said, adding that the next parliament would convene on Nov. 21. The last general election in Sri Lanka was held in August 2020. Lawmakers are elected for a five-year term. Sri Lankans chose Dissanayake in a weekend presidential election, giving the Marxist-leaning politician a key role in deciding the future of reforms in the island country that is slowly emerging from a crushing financial crisis. But his coalition, the National People's Party, has just three of 225 seats in the current parliament, prompting him to dissolve the legislature to seek a fresh mandate there for his policies. Saturday's presidential vote was Sri Lanka's first election since its economy buckled in 2022 under a severe foreign exchange shortage, leaving it unable to pay for imports of essentials including fuel, medicine and cooking gas. Protests forced then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee and later resign. Dissanayake promised to bring change for those reeling under austerity measures linked to a $2.9 billion IMF bailout programme following the economic crisis and has also pledged to expand existing welfare schemes. But his intentions to slash taxes and desire to revisit the terms of the bailout have worried investors, who fear that it could delay a crucial $25 billion debt restructuring. He will have to ensure the economy returns to sustainable and inclusive growth, reassure local and international markets, attract investors and help a quarter of the 22 million population climb out of poverty. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sri Lanka's new prez dissolves parliament, calls for snap polls

In a decisive action shortly after taking office, Sri Lanka's newly-elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has dissolved Parliament and announced snap elections to be held within a month. This move aims to fulfill his campaign promise of enacting change in the country's long-standing political landscape dominated by established political families. Dissanayake's decision marks a significant step towards reshaping Sri Lanka's governance and addressing the demand for political reform.

Sri Lanka's Newly-Elected President Dissolves Parliament, Announces Snap Elections

Sri Lanka: Newly-elected President Dissanayake Dissolves Parliament, Calls Snap Polls On Nov 14

Sri Lanka's newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to announce his Cabinet today (Tuesday) after he took the oath of office on Monday. Watch in for more details!

Sri Lanka’s new President Dissanayake set to announce new cabinet

Anura Kumara Dissanayake has taken the oath of office as Sri Lanka’s President, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. His victory comes during a critical time, as Sri Lanka grapples with its worst economic crisis in over 70 years, necessitating urgent reforms and recovery strategies.

Dissanayake Sworn In: A New Era for Sri Lanka?

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.

Sri Lanka Elections: Anura Kumara Dissanayake Makes A Bold Start

Two days after winning Presidential Elections Anura Kumara Dissanayake has picked his Prime Minister and also announced his new cabinet. According to our sources he's expected to dissolve the parliament tonight and then hold his first address to the nation tomorrow. Sri Lanka's new president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, named college professor and first-time lawmaker Harini Amarasuriya as the new Prime Minister of the island nation on Tuesday, making her the third woman to be appointed to the post.

Harini Amarasuriya Sworn In As Sri Lanka's New Prime Minister

Two days after winning Presidential Elections Anura Kumara Dissanayake has picked his Prime Minister and also announced his new cabinet. According to our sources he's expected to dissolve the parliament tonight and then hold his first address to the nation tomorrow. Watch in for more details!

Sri Lanka: Newly Elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake To Address The Nation Tomorrow

Sri Lanka’s newly elected President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, vowed on September 23, 2024 to strengthen democracy and "work hard to win people’s trust," while cautioning that he is no “magician.”

"I'm No Magician," Says Sri Lanka President Dissanayake As He Appoints New Cabinet

Sri Lanka’s newly-elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has promised to thoroughly investigate the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks carried out by the ISIS-backed suicide bombers that killed 270 people, including 45 foreign nationals and injured over 500.

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Dissanayake paid a visit to the Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, following his election victory and assured him of taking steps “towards uncovering the truth” regarding the attacks that rocked hotels and churches in the country, the President’s Media Division (PMD) revealed on Tuesday.

In June, then Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe had appointed a Committee of Inquiry (CoI) to investigate the actions taken by Lankan intelligence services on the prior information received from their Indian counterparts regarding the Easter Sunday bombings.

Wicremesinghe’s decision followed the findings of the Final Report of the Commission of Inquiry, dated January 31, 2021, which highlighted that Indian intelligence agencies and other sources had provided advance warnings about the impending attacks.

“The committee’s mandate includes examining whether adequate actions and measures were taken by the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Chief of National Intelligence (CNI), and other relevant authorities based on the prior intelligence and evaluating the sufficiency of these measures,” the PMD said in a statement on June 12, this year.

The president had also given full powers to the committee headed by retired High Court judge A.N.J. De Alwis to question relevant officials and examine important documents to thoroughly investigate these matters.

A compact disk containing the Final Report of the Commission of Inquiry on the 2019 bomb attacks was provided to the committee, with a Senior Assistant Secretary to the President serving as the Secretary to the Committee of Inquiry.

Meanwhile, the Archbishop of Colombo acknowledged that the people have entrusted the new president with the significant responsibility of bringing about the necessary changes in the country, a task that may prove to be challenging.

The Cardinal also assured the Lankan President of his “full support and blessings” in this endeavour and urged him to prioritise the needs of the poor in his efforts.

On Tuesday, Dissanayake visited the Most Venerable Mahanayake Theros of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters to receive their blessings, following his visit to pay homage at the ‘Dalada Maligawa’ the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sri Lanka’s newly-elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has promised to thoroughly investigate the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks carried out by the ISIS-backed suicide bombers that killed 270 people, including 45 foreign nationals and injured over 500.

Sri Lanka’s newly-elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has promised to thoroughly investigate the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks carried out by the ISIS-backed suicide bombers that killed 270 people, including 45 foreign nationals and injured over 500. Dissanayake paid a visit to the Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, following his election victory and assured him of taking steps “towards uncovering the truth” regarding the attacks that rocked hotels and churches in the country, the President’s Media Division (PMD) revealed on Tuesday. In June, then Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe had appointed a Committee of Inquiry (CoI) to investigate the actions taken by Lankan intelligence services on the prior information received from their Indian counterparts regarding the Easter Sunday bombings. Wicremesinghe’s decision followed the findings of the Final Report of the Commission of Inquiry, dated January 31, 2021, which highlighted that Indian intelligence agencies and other sources had provided advance warnings about the impending attacks. “The committee’s mandate includes examining whether adequate actions and measures were taken by the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Chief of National Intelligence (CNI), and other relevant authorities based on the prior intelligence and evaluating the sufficiency of these measures,” the PMD said in a statement on June 12, this year. The president had also given full powers to the committee headed by retired High Court judge A.N.J. De Alwis to question relevant officials and examine important documents to thoroughly investigate these matters. A compact disk containing the Final Report of the Commission of Inquiry on the 2019 bomb attacks was provided to the committee, with a Senior Assistant Secretary to the President serving as the Secretary to the Committee of Inquiry. Meanwhile, the Archbishop of Colombo acknowledged that the people have entrusted the new president with the significant responsibility of bringing about the necessary changes in the country, a task that may prove to be challenging. The Cardinal also assured the Lankan President of his “full support and blessings” in this endeavour and urged him to prioritise the needs of the poor in his efforts. On Tuesday, Dissanayake visited the Most Venerable Mahanayake Theros of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters to receive their blessings, following his visit to pay homage at the ‘Dalada Maligawa’ the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sri Lanka’s President Dissanayake promises thorough probe into 2019 Easter Sunday attacks

Sri Lanka's newly-elected President&nbsp;Anura Kumara Dissanayake has said that he didn't want Colombo to be 'sandwiched' between India and China as the two heavyweights of the region attempt to assert themselves on the geostrategically important island nation.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;National People’s Power (NPP) leader said he wanted to foster a balanced relationship in what was a clear foreign policy vision for the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We don’t want Sri Lanka to be sandwiched, especially between China and India. Both countries are valued friends and, under an NPP government, we expect them to become close partners. We also want to maintain relations with the EU, the Middle East and Africa,” said&nbsp;Dissanayake in a September 3 interview.

“There are many power camps within a multipolar system. We won’t be a part of that geopolitical fight, nor will we be aligned with any party,” he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-election-wickremesinghe-says-handing-over-beloved-child-of-sri-lanka-761038" target="_blank">Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka Election: Wickremesinghe says Handing Over 'Beloved Child Of Sri Lanka'</a>

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<h2>Dissanayake takes oath</h2>

On Monday (Sep 23),&nbsp;Dissanayake took oath as the 10th president of the country in a&nbsp;swearing-in ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. He emerged victorious&nbsp;over his closest rival, Sajith Premadasa, by a margin of approximately 10 percentage points after a historic second round of counting.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first world leaders to congratulate&nbsp; Dissanayake.&nbsp;Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote: “Congratulations @anuradisanayake, on your victory in the Sri Lankan Presidential elections. Sri Lanka holds a special place in India's Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR.”

"I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our multifaceted cooperation for the benefit of our people and the entire region," he added.&nbsp;

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Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/anuradisanayake?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@anuradisanayake</a>, on your victory in the Sri Lankan Presidential elections. Sri Lanka holds a special place in India's Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our multifaceted cooperation for…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1837920363684274264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Soon after, Chinese President Xi Jinping also congratulated&nbsp;Dissanayake, whilst hoping to broaden cooperation with Sri Lanka under the Belt and Road Infrastructure (BRI).

"I attach great importance to the development of China-Sri Lanka relations and am willing to work with Mr President to continue our traditional friendship (and) enhance mutual political trust," Xi said in a message to Dissanayake, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Dissanayake takes over the presidency at a critical time when Sri Lanka needs its economy to regenerate two years after the Marxist leader was at the forefront of the protests, which drove the Rajapaksas out of power.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka's newly-elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has said that he didn't want Colombo to be 'sandwiched' between India and China as the two heavyweights of the region attempt to assert themselves on the geostrategically important island nation.

Sri Lanka's newly-elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has said that he didn't want Colombo to be 'sandwiched' between India and China as the two heavyweights of the region attempt to assert themselves on the geostrategically important island nation. The National People’s Power (NPP) leader said he wanted to foster a balanced relationship in what was a clear foreign policy vision for the country. “We don’t want Sri Lanka to be sandwiched, especially between China and India. Both countries are valued friends and, under an NPP government, we expect them to become close partners. We also want to maintain relations with the EU, the Middle East and Africa,” said Dissanayake in a September 3 interview. “There are many power camps within a multipolar system. We won’t be a part of that geopolitical fight, nor will we be aligned with any party,” he added. Watch | Sri Lanka Election: Wickremesinghe says Handing Over 'Beloved Child Of Sri Lanka' Dissanayake takes oath On Monday (Sep 23), Dissanayake took oath as the 10th president of the country in a swearing-in ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. He emerged victorious over his closest rival, Sajith Premadasa, by a margin of approximately 10 percentage points after a historic second round of counting. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Dissanayake. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote: “Congratulations @anuradisanayake, on your victory in the Sri Lankan Presidential elections. Sri Lanka holds a special place in India's Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR.” "I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our multifaceted cooperation for the benefit of our people and the entire region," he added. Congratulations @anuradisanayake, on your victory in the Sri Lankan Presidential elections. Sri Lanka holds a special place in India's Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our multifaceted cooperation for… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2024 × Soon after, Chinese President Xi Jinping also congratulated Dissanayake, whilst hoping to broaden cooperation with Sri Lanka under the Belt and Road Infrastructure (BRI). "I attach great importance to the development of China-Sri Lanka relations and am willing to work with Mr President to continue our traditional friendship (and) enhance mutual political trust," Xi said in a message to Dissanayake, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Dissanayake takes over the presidency at a critical time when Sri Lanka needs its economy to regenerate two years after the Marxist leader was at the forefront of the protests, which drove the Rajapaksas out of power. (With inputs from agencies)

‘We expect them...’: Sri Lanka’s new President Anura Dissanayake hints who he’ll pick between India and China

Sri Lanka: Three Members Of NPP Expected To Be Part Of Sri Lankan Cabinet

Sri Lanka has appointed a new Defence Secretary, Sampath, a veteran who served in the country’s civil war. Notably, he was previously blacklisted by the former government. This significant appointment marks a new chapter in Sri Lanka's defense leadership as the nation navigates its security challenges.

Sri Lanka Elections: President Anura Kumara Elects New Defence Minister

The International Monetary Fund is ready to discuss its controversial $2.9 billion bailout programme for Sri Lanka with the country's new government, a spokesman said.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, sworn in Monday as the country's first leftist president, has said he wants to renegotiate the deal, which has brought unpopular austerity measures.

"We look forward to working together with President Dissanayake... towards building on the hard-won gains that have helped put Sri Lanka on a path to economic recovery," an IMF spokesperson in Washington said Monday.

The lender of last resort noted that the South Asian nation, which defaulted on its debt in April 2022, had stabilised since the bailout.

"We will discuss the timing of the third review of the IMF-supported programme with the new administration as soon as practicable," the spokesperson said referring to the periodic review of the bailout.

A senior aide of the new president told AFP a day after the election that his People's Liberation Front party will "not tear up" the IMF deal.

"Our plan is to engage with the IMF and introduce certain amendments," Bimal Ratnayake said.&nbsp;

"We will not tear up the IMF programme. It is a binding document, but there is a provision to renegotiate."

Sri Lanka's tiny stock market fell sharply within the first few minutes of trading on Monday, when Dissanayake took office, but recovered quickly and ended the day with the main All Share Price index 1.19 percent higher.

Dissanayake has pledged to reduce income taxes that were doubled by his predecessor Ranil Wickremesinghe, and also slash sales taxes on food and medicines.

"We think we can get those reductions into the programme and continue with the four-year bailout programme," Ratnayake said.

Dissanayake's rivals had raised fears that his Marxist party would scrap the IMF programme and push the country back into an economic crisis similar to the chaos of 2022.

A foreign exchange crisis led to shortages of essentials sparking street protests which eventually forced then leader Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country and resign.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The International Monetary Fund is ready to discuss its controversial $2.9 billion bailout programme for Sri Lanka with the country's new government, a spokesman said.

The International Monetary Fund is ready to discuss its controversial $2.9 billion bailout programme for Sri Lanka with the country's new government, a spokesman said. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, sworn in Monday as the country's first leftist president, has said he wants to renegotiate the deal, which has brought unpopular austerity measures. "We look forward to working together with President Dissanayake... towards building on the hard-won gains that have helped put Sri Lanka on a path to economic recovery," an IMF spokesperson in Washington said Monday. The lender of last resort noted that the South Asian nation, which defaulted on its debt in April 2022, had stabilised since the bailout. "We will discuss the timing of the third review of the IMF-supported programme with the new administration as soon as practicable," the spokesperson said referring to the periodic review of the bailout. A senior aide of the new president told AFP a day after the election that his People's Liberation Front party will "not tear up" the IMF deal. "Our plan is to engage with the IMF and introduce certain amendments," Bimal Ratnayake said. "We will not tear up the IMF programme. It is a binding document, but there is a provision to renegotiate." Sri Lanka's tiny stock market fell sharply within the first few minutes of trading on Monday, when Dissanayake took office, but recovered quickly and ended the day with the main All Share Price index 1.19 percent higher. Dissanayake has pledged to reduce income taxes that were doubled by his predecessor Ranil Wickremesinghe, and also slash sales taxes on food and medicines. "We think we can get those reductions into the programme and continue with the four-year bailout programme," Ratnayake said. Dissanayake's rivals had raised fears that his Marxist party would scrap the IMF programme and push the country back into an economic crisis similar to the chaos of 2022. A foreign exchange crisis led to shortages of essentials sparking street protests which eventually forced then leader Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country and resign. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Ready to talk about bailout programme with Sri Lanka's new leftist government, says IMF

Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been elected as Sri Lanka's new president, securing 5.74 million votes in a tightly contested runoff. Dissanayake, 55, ran on a platform of clean governance and tackling corruption, appealing to voters frustrated by the economic hardship and austerity measures imposed during Wickremesinghe’s tenure.

Sri Lanka’s Economic Woes Shape Elections as Dissanayake Wins

Sri Lanka has chosen its next President in Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a leader whose political fortunes have changed after the 2022 economic meltdown. Watch to know more.

Sri Lanka Elections: Swearing In Ceremony For President Dissanayake

Sri Lankan PM Dinesh Gunawardena has resigned and this comes right after Anura Kumar Dissanayake was elected as the President. Watch to know more.

Sri Lanka Election: Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena resigns

Sri Lanka Election: Wickremesinghe says Handing Over 'Beloved Child Of Sri Lanka'

Sri Lanka Election:  Dissanayake To Be Sworn-In As President On Monday

Sri Lanka Election: Anura Kumara Dissanayake Wins Mandate

Sri Lanka's political landscape has transformed with Anura Kumara Dissanayaka's election as the 10th president. The leader of the People's Liberation Front (JVP) won the run-off election decisively, reflecting voters' rejection of establishment politics following the 2022 economic crisis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi quickly congratulated Dissanayaka on his victory.

PM Modi Congratulates Newly Elected Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka

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.

Sri Lanka Elections: Dissanayake Calls For Respecting And Restoring 'People's Mandate'

Sri Lanka's New President Dissanayake Pledges 'Cleaner' Politics In Inauguration Speech

Anura Kumara Dissanayake has taken his oath as Sri Lanka’s new president after he was declared the winner of Saturday’s election. Dissanayake said he understood the complexity of the problems facing Sri Lanka and would work hard to realise people’s hopes and win the confidence of all Sri Lankans.

Sri Lanka's New President Dissanayake Calls for Respecting and Restoring 'People's Mandate'

Sri Lanka Elections: Dissanayake Promises Economic Reforms

Sri Lanka’s new president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has taken office with a pledge to usher in "clean" politics, as the nation grapples with recovery from its worst economic crisis. A left-leaning leader, Dissanayake positions himself as a disruptor of the status quo, with his victory signaling a public rejection of the corruption and cronyism that have long troubled the country.

Sri Lanka Elections: Anura Kumara Dissanayake Sworn In As Sri Lanka's New President

Polls closed in Sri Lanka's first election since the economic collapse, and the counting of votes is underway. Millions of voters cast their votes to select a leader who will face the task of bolstering the country's fragile economic recovery following its worst financial crisis in decades.

Sri Lanka Presidential Election: Early leads for Dissanayake

Sri Lanka Presidential Election: Wickremesinghe vs Dissanayake vs Premadasa

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