BS EDIT: Dissanayake wins big as Sri Lankans vote for stability

By Business StandardPublished On Nov 18, 2024

A historic mandate for stability

The NPP coalition, led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake, wins a two-thirds majority, signalling Sri Lanka’s desire for political stability and change

Overcoming ethnic divides

JVP wins key regions, including Tamil stronghold Jaffna, signalling a shift beyond ethnic strife towards unity and stability in Sri Lanka

Economic sovereignty at forefront

Dissanayake’s platform prioritises working class protection and economic sovereignty, but he must tackle Sri Lanka’s debt crisis while ensuring stability

A debt crisis

Sri Lanka’s debt hit 119 per cent of GDP in 2021. A $2.9 billion IMF bailout gave temporary relief, but repayment and restructuring challenges persist

Complex foreign relations

Despite pro-China leanings, Dissanayake values India’s Covid support, but past disagreements over projects like Adani’s wind power may strain bilateral ties

Road ahead

With a new mandate, Dissanayake’s government must juggle debt management, economic reforms, and diplomacy to ensure a stable future for Sri Lanka