Marxist lawmaker leads the vote count in Sri Lanka’s presidential election

Marxist-leaning Anura Kumara Dissanayake and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa are headed to a run-off for Sri Lanka’s presidency after failing to secure the required 50% of votes in the initial count. Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been disqualified, with Dissanayake leading at 39.5% and Premadasa close behind at 34%. This election follows a severe economic crisis in 2022, with voters seeking change and relief from austerity measures. Dissanayake promises to dissolve parliament for fresh elections and tackle poverty, while Premadasa aims to renegotiate IMF deals to reduce living costs. The winner will need to stabilize the economy, attract investors, and lift millions out of poverty.