Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the 55-year-old leader of the National People’s Power coalition in Sri Lanka, has emerged as a top contender for the country’s presidency in upcoming elections. Despite his party’s historically close ties to China, Dissanayake has gained recognition as a rising political force, even receiving an invitation from the Indian government. The JVP, the party he leads, has transformed from a marginalized group to a major political force following the country’s economic collapse in 2022 and subsequent mass protests.
Dissanayake’s past with the JVP, which led violent Marxist insurrections in the 1970s and 1980s, has been a point of contention. However, he has tried to distance himself from the party’s violent history and is focused on tackling corruption and advocating for social justice. His coalition includes various sections of society, including intellectuals, artists, and trade unions.
Despite his efforts to build a broad coalition, Dissanayake faces challenges due to the dominance of the United National Party and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party since independence in 1948. Additionally, his party’s past opposition to Indian intervention in Sri Lanka and their stance on the Tamil separatist movement have raised concerns among some communities.
As the election approaches, Dissanayake’s campaign will focus on his promise to address corruption and bring about change in Sri Lanka. While his past and his party’s history may continue to be points of contention, Dissanayake remains a formidable candidate in the upcoming presidential race.
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