Marxist Milestone: Anura Kumara Dissanayake's Presidential Triumph in Sri Lanka

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the National People's Power (NPP), is poised to become Sri Lanka's ninth executive president with a significant lead in the presidential election. In postal voting from seven electoral districts, Dissanayake has garnered 56% of the votes, far ahead of his main rivals.

National People's Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake is on course to become Sri Lanka's ninth executive president, according to preliminary postal voting results from seven electoral districts.

Polling occurred on Saturday at over 13,400 polling stations across 22 electoral districts. Dissanayake, aged 56, has taken a commanding lead over primary competitors Sajith Premadasa, 57, and incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, 75.

With Dissanayake securing 56% of the votes and his opponents each garnering 19%, analysts forecast a likely victory by a clear majority for the NPP leader. This election may result in Sri Lanka's first Marxist head of state.

(With inputs from agencies.)