Sri Lanka Elects Anura Kumara Dissanayake as New President Amid Economic Recovery Efforts

Anura Kumara Dissanayake was elected as Sri Lanka's new president, securing 42.3% of the votes. This marks a significant improvement from his 3% vote share in 2019. The election was a referendum on former President Ranil Wickremesinghe's handling of the economic crisis. Dissanayake won after a second round of counting.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been elected as Sri Lanka's new president, promising to combat corruption and support the nation's fragile economic recovery. The 55-year-old Marxist-leaning leader secured 42.3% of the votes, significantly improving from his 3% share in the 2019 presidential race.

Dissanayake's victory comes as a referendum on the leadership of incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who faced backlash over austerity measures required to stabilize the nation's heavily indebted economy. Wickremesinghe concluded the race in third place with 17% of the votes.

The historic election saw a second round of counting for the first time in Sri Lanka's history, as no candidate initially achieved the required 50% majority. Dissanayake's win reflects a shift in voter sentiment as Sri Lanka navigates its worst financial crisis in decades.

(With inputs from agencies.)