Anura Kumara Dissanayake Leads Sri Lanka's Presidential Race

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Marxist-leaning leader, has taken a substantial early lead in Sri Lanka's presidential election. Garnering 53% of the counted votes, he promises anti-corruption measures and pro-poor policies. The election follows the country's economic crisis in 2022, aiming for stable growth and poverty alleviation.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a Marxist-leaning leader, has captured a commanding early lead in Sri Lanka's presidential election, securing about 53% of the votes counted so far, according to the country's Election Commission.

Dissanayake, representing the National People's Power (NPP) alliance, has pledged strong anti-corruption measures and pro-poor policies, appealing to the electorate amid a fragile economic recovery.

With voter turnout at 75%, the nation awaits final results to see if Dissanayake's promises can help lift millions out of poverty and stabilize the economy, which has been recovering under a $2.9 billion IMF program.

(With inputs from agencies.)