Anura Kumara Dissanayake: Ushering in Sri Lanka's Renaissance

Marxist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, at 56, took oath as Sri Lanka's new president. Promising a 'Renaissance,' he emphasized international cooperation and democratic processes. Dissanayake, with a strong anti-corruption message, resonated with young voters, marking a significant shift for his party, the JVP. His immediate challenge is addressing economic reforms.

On Monday, Marxist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake took the oath as Sri Lanka's new president, vowing to usher in a 'Renaissance' for the nation. At a ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat, Dissanayake, 56, was sworn in by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya.

In his inaugural address, Dissanayake expressed gratitude towards his predecessor, Ranil Wickremesinghe, for facilitating a peaceful transfer of power and assured the nation of his commitment to preserving democracy. He emphasized the need for international cooperation to resolve the economic crisis and restore public trust in politicians.

Following the ceremony, Dissanayake took to social media to promise a new era and thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support, while expressing a desire to strengthen bilateral ties. His victory, with significant votes, reflects his anti-corruption stance which appealed to young voters dissatisfied with the previous regime.

(With inputs from agencies.)