Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the Marxist-leaning Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), was sworn in on Monday as Sri Lanka’s ninth Executive President. During the swearing-in ceremony at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, Dissanayake vowed to usher in a “new era of Renaissance” for the nation.
In a post on X, Dissanayake said, “This morning (23rd), I took oath as the 9th Executive President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in the presence of Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya at the Presidential Secretariat.” He emphasized his commitment to fulfilling the people’s expectations and urged for collective contribution to bring about the Renaissance he envisions.
Commitment to Rebuilding Trust
Dissanayake pledged to restore public confidence in politicians and assured citizens that he would lead with transparency and wisdom. “I’m not a magician but an ordinary citizen with certain capabilities and incapabilities,” he said. He promised to expand his knowledge and enhance his abilities to make the best decisions for Sri Lanka. The newly-elected president highlighted the complexity of the challenges facing the country, committing to work diligently to address them.
The election results were finalized on Sunday evening after Sri Lanka’s first-ever presidential run-off. Neither Dissanayake nor Samagi Jana Sandhanaya candidate Sajith Premadasa had secured a majority in the initial round. According to the Election Commission, Dissanayake won 42.31% of the vote, while Premadasa finished second and outgoing President Ranil Wickremesinghe third.
First Leftist President Marks a Historic Moment
Following his victory, Dissanayake, known as AKD, reflected on the historic nature of the moment in another post on X. “The dream we have nurtured for centuries is finally coming true. This achievement is not the result of any single person’s work, but the collective effort of hundreds of thousands of you. Your commitment has brought us this far, and for that, I am deeply grateful,” he wrote.
Dissanayake also paid tribute to those who sacrificed for the cause, saying, “Our journey here has been paved by the sacrifices of so many who gave their sweat, tears, and even their lives for this cause. Their sacrifices are not forgotten.”
In a message of unity, Dissanayake stressed the importance of solidarity among all Sri Lankans, stating, “The unity of Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, and all Sri Lankans is the bedrock of this new beginning. The New Renaissance we seek will rise from this shared strength and vision.”
Dissanayake, a prominent figure in Sri Lanka’s political scene, has led the JVP through significant national events. His presidency is seen as a pivotal moment in the country’s history, marking the first time a leftist leader has taken the highest office in Sri Lanka.
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