Marxist Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake Wins Sri Lankan Presidential Election

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a Marxist leader, was declared the winner of Sri Lanka's presidential election after a historic second round of vote counting. Dissanayake, leading the National People's Power, beat Sajith Premadasa and will be the 9th president. Incumbent president Ranil Wickremesinghe was eliminated in the first round.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the Marxist National People's Power (NPP) coalition, has won Sri Lanka's presidential election. The country's Election Commission announced his victory following an unprecedented second round of vote counting.

Dissanayake, 56, defeated his closest competitor, Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). Incumbent president Ranil Wickremesinghe was ousted in the first round, failing to secure a place among the top two candidates.

The election, held on Saturday, was the first since mass protests in 2022 forced Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign after an economic crisis. Dissanayake's anti-corruption stance and promise of political reform resonated with young voters, significantly boosting his party's popularity.

(With inputs from agencies.)