Marxist-leaning president takes power in Sri Lanka, a country long led by dynasties
Sri Lanka’s leftist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake took office as president on Monday, promising change in the island nation long led by powerful political families which is emerging from its worst economic crisis in more than seven decades.
COLOMBO — Sri Lanka’s leftist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake took office as president on Monday, promising change in the island nation long led by powerful political families which is emerging from its worst economic crisis in more than seven decades.
Millions of Sri Lankans had voted for the opposition parliamentarian, putting faith in his graft-fighting pledge and vow to bolster a fragile economic recovery.
“I pledge ... to demonstrate dedication to protecting and upholding democracy,” Dissanayake, 55, said in inauguration remarks at the president’s office, saying he was taking office at a challenging time.
Supporters of Sri Lanka's newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, celebrate in Colombo.Ishara S. Kodikara / AFP - Getty Images“Our politics needs to be cleaner, and the people have called for a different political culture,” he added. “I am ready to commit to that change.”
Outside, dozens of supporters held up posters carrying his image, with some waving the Sri Lankan flag and chanting “AKD,” the initials of the new president, who displaces the incumbent, veteran politician Ranil Wickremesinghe.
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