Colombo: Marxist leader Anura Kumara Disanayake was sworn in as the new President of Sri Lanka today. After this, he vowed to give a new direction to Sri Lanka. Disanayake said that he would start a “renaissance” in his country. Disanayake (56) has become the ninth President of Sri Lanka. Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya administered the oath to him at the President's Secretariat. It is believed that after Disanayake becomes President, a new round of changes and reforms can begin in Sri Lanka.
Addressing the nation for the first time after winning the election, Dissanayake thanked former President Ranil Wickremesinghe for respecting the mandate and for the peaceful transfer of power. In his address after taking oath, he said, “I assure you that I will try my best to save democracy and work towards restoring the respect of leaders, because there is doubt among the people about the conduct of leaders.” Dissanayake said that Sri Lanka cannot remain isolated and needs international cooperation. He said that he is not a magician but his aim is to be a part of the collective responsibility of uplifting the country struggling with economic crisis.
I am not a magician, but I know how to use people's talents – Dissanayake
The newly elected President said, “I am not a magician. I am a common citizen born in this country. I have abilities and disabilities. I know some things and I don't know some. My first task is to use the talents of the people and make better decisions to lead this country.” He said, “I want to be a contributor to the collective responsibility.” In a post on 'X' after the swearing-in ceremony, Dissanayake said, “I promise to fulfill your responsibility to start a new era of renaissance in this country and I hope for your collective contribution in this.”
Expressed gratitude to PM Modi
Dissanayake thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for congratulating him and said that he supports PM Modi's commitment to strengthen bilateral relations. Dissanayake said, “Prime Minister Modi, thank you for your kind words and support. I agree with your commitment to strengthen relations between our countries. Together we can work towards increasing cooperation for the benefit of our people and the entire region.” Wearing a white long-sleeved tunic and black trousers, Dissanayake took blessings from the Buddhist priest after the swearing-in ceremony.
This is how Dissanayake reached the post of President
Dissanayake, leader of the National People's Power (NPP), a broad front of the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna Party, defeated his closest rival Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) in the election held on Saturday. This was the first election after the massive mass movement in 2022 due to the economic crisis in the country. Gotabaya Rajapaksa was ousted in this mass movement. Hours before his swearing-in, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardene resigned from his post as part of the transfer of power in the country. Gunawardene (75) was the Prime Minister of this island country since July 2022. Gunawardene said in a letter addressed to Dissanayake that he is resigning from the post due to the election of the new President and he will create a favorable environment for the formation of a new cabinet.
Won the election by more than 12 lakh votes
The country's Election Commission on Sunday had to order a second round of counting for the first time in history after no candidate got the required 50 per cent votes to win the presidential election. Dissanayake won the election by securing 57.4 lakh votes while Premadasa got 45.3 lakh votes. During the election, Dissanayake's anti-corruption message and promise to change the political culture attracted young voters who have been demanding a change in the political system since the economic crisis. One of his supporters told PTI-Bhasha outside the Presidential Secretariat, “We are very happy.
We have been waiting for this moment for a long time. We fought for this. Two years ago at this very place we were fighting to send the corrupt government home, demanding our money back. Now this is our victory but there is a long way to go.'' Dissanayake, popularly known as 'AKD', rising to the top post is a remarkable achievement for his half-century-old JVP party which has long been on the margins. (Language)
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