Marxist leader Dissanayaka declared Sri Lanka’s president-elect

Sri Lanka’s election commission announced Anura Kumara Dissanayaka as the president-elect after a vote marked by dissatisfaction with the country’s handling of a financial crisis. Dissanayaka, a Marxist politician, won with 42.31% of the vote. Outgoing President Ranil Wickremesinghe came in third. Dissanayaka plans to modify the IMF deal, reduce taxes, and address the economic crisis. His party has promised a new political culture. The election saw a high voter turnout, and Dissanayaka’s party reassured India about not engaging in geopolitical rivalries. Wickremesinghe’s austerity measures faced backlash due to increased poverty rates and economic struggles.