Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the presidential candidate from National People’s Power (NPP), has taken a significant early lead in Sri Lanka’s closely watched presidential election.
This election marks a critical juncture for Sri Lanka, being the first presidential vote since the nation’s devastating economic collapse in 2022. Reuters photo
The 56-year-old leader of the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and its broader front, NPP, emerged as the frontrunner after the initial vote count.
As of 7 am on Sunday, the Election Commission reported that Mr Dissanayake had secured 727,000 votes, representing 52% of the ballots counted thus far.
His closest competitor, Sajith Premadasa, leader of the main opposition, managed to gain 333,000 votes, equivalent to 23%.
Meanwhile, the incumbent president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, was trailing significantly behind with 235,000 votes, holding just 16%.
Dissanayake was seen displaying his ink-marked finger after casting his vote in Colombo on Saturday, a symbolic gesture of civic participation that resonated across the country.
This election marks a critical juncture for Sri Lanka, being the first presidential vote since the nation’s devastating economic collapse in 2022. Millions of Sri Lankans took to the polls on 21 September 2024, seeking change and stability in a country still grappling with the aftermath of its financial crisis.
With Dissanayake poised to win over 50% of the total vote, early results suggest a shift towards the NPP, a coalition that has positioned itself as a progressive alternative to the established political powers.
Final results are expected later in the day, and all eyes remain on whether Dissanayake can maintain his commanding lead to secure a decisive victory.
