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…
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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'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: 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

Sri Lanka Presidential Election: Counting of votes underway, what are the early trends?

Sri Lanka Presidential Election: Counting of votes underway in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Presidential Election: Countdown to Sri Lanka election results

Sri Lanka Presidential Election: Who do people trust for island nation's future

Sri Lanka Presidential Election: Who do people trust for Sri Lanka's future

The Sri Lankan presidential election is going down to the wire. For the first time in the island country's history, the vote counting has&nbsp;gone into the second round after no single candidate managed to win 50 per cent plus one vote needed to emerge victorious.&nbsp;

Notably, Sri Lanka follows the&nbsp;first-past-the-post system in which voters are allowed to choose three candidates, with the candidate&nbsp;securing at least 50 per cent&nbsp;or more of the overall vote declared the winner.&nbsp;If no candidate gets 50 per cent in the first round, there is a legal provision for a run-off between the two frontrunners.

Since 1982, all of Sri Lanka's eight presidential elections have seen the winner emerge in the first round of counting. However, this year's poll has been described as one of the closest as it comes in the aftermath of Sri Lanka going through one of its worst economic crises.&nbsp;

While early results showed&nbsp;Marxist-leaning leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake out of the blocks quickly, his lead slowly dwindled,&nbsp;setting the stage for a fascinating second round of counting.

As of the last update, Dissanayake was leading with 39.65 per cent of the vote.&nbsp;Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa was in second place with 34.09 per cent&nbsp;of the total vote.

The Sri Lanka Election Commission added that all the remaining candidates, including&nbsp;President Ranil Wickremesinghe, had been disqualified.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-presidential-election-who-do-people-trust-for-island-nations-future-760803">Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka Presidential Election: Who do people trust for island nation's future</a>

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&nbsp;

<h2>Who is&nbsp;Dissanayake?&nbsp;</h2>

Dissanayake, the frontrunner to win the election, contested as a candidate for the National People's Power (NPP) alliance, which includes his Marxist-leaning Janatha Vimukthi Peremuna Party (JVP) that has traditionally backed stronger state intervention, lower taxes&nbsp;and more closed market economic policies.

NPP has proposed to break away from the cycle of corruption and mismanagement that has plagued the island nation for years.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-presidential-election-anura-kumara-dissanayake-grabs-early-lead-to-become-president-760825">Also read |&nbsp;Sri Lanka presidential election: All candidates eliminated except Dissanayake, Premadasa</a>

As for his economic policies,&nbsp;Dissanayake has vowed not to scrap the&nbsp;country's unpopular four-year $2.9 billion IMF (International Monetary Fund) bailout agreement but said he would renegotiate it.

"Our plan is to engage with the IMF and introduce certain amendments. We will not tear up the IMF programme. It is a binding document, but there is a provision to renegotiate," party politburo member Bimal Ratnayake told the news agency AFP.

Notably,&nbsp;Dissanayake has&nbsp;pledged to reduce income taxes that were doubled by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and slash sales taxes on food and medicines.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Sri Lankan presidential election is going down to the wire. For the first time in the island country's history, the vote counting has gone into the second round after no single candidate managed to win 50 per cent plus one vote needed to emerge victorious.

The Sri Lankan presidential election is going down to the wire. For the first time in the island country's history, the vote counting has gone into the second round after no single candidate managed to win 50 per cent plus one vote needed to emerge victorious. Notably, Sri Lanka follows the first-past-the-post system in which voters are allowed to choose three candidates, with the candidate securing at least 50 per cent or more of the overall vote declared the winner. If no candidate gets 50 per cent in the first round, there is a legal provision for a run-off between the two frontrunners. Since 1982, all of Sri Lanka's eight presidential elections have seen the winner emerge in the first round of counting. However, this year's poll has been described as one of the closest as it comes in the aftermath of Sri Lanka going through one of its worst economic crises. While early results showed Marxist-leaning leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake out of the blocks quickly, his lead slowly dwindled, setting the stage for a fascinating second round of counting. As of the last update, Dissanayake was leading with 39.65 per cent of the vote. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa was in second place with 34.09 per cent of the total vote. The Sri Lanka Election Commission added that all the remaining candidates, including President Ranil Wickremesinghe, had been disqualified. Watch | Sri Lanka Presidential Election: Who do people trust for island nation's future × Who is Dissanayake? Dissanayake, the frontrunner to win the election, contested as a candidate for the National People's Power (NPP) alliance, which includes his Marxist-leaning Janatha Vimukthi Peremuna Party (JVP) that has traditionally backed stronger state intervention, lower taxes and more closed market economic policies. NPP has proposed to break away from the cycle of corruption and mismanagement that has plagued the island nation for years. Also read | Sri Lanka presidential election: All candidates eliminated except Dissanayake, Premadasa As for his economic policies, Dissanayake has vowed not to scrap the country's unpopular four-year $2.9 billion IMF (International Monetary Fund) bailout agreement but said he would renegotiate it. "Our plan is to engage with the IMF and introduce certain amendments. We will not tear up the IMF programme. It is a binding document, but there is a provision to renegotiate," party politburo member Bimal Ratnayake told the news agency AFP. Notably, Dissanayake has pledged to reduce income taxes that were doubled by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and slash sales taxes on food and medicines. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka presidential poll: Counting heads to ‘historic’ second round as Marxist candidate leads

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