Marxist Dissanayake wins Sri Lanka’s presidential election as voters reject old guard

Associated Press

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Marxist lawmaker Anura Kumara Dissanayake has won Sri Lanka’s presidential election as voters rejected the old political guard that has been widely accused of pushing the nation into economic ruin. Dissanayake is popular with youth because of his pro-working class politics and criticism of political elite. He secured victory over opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and incumbent liberal President Ranil Wickremesinghe, according to results announced Sunday. The election Saturday was crucial as the country seeks to recover from the worst economic crisis in its history and political upheaval. Dissanayake had said he would renegotiate the IMF bailout deal to make austerity measures more bearable for ordinary Sri Lankans.