Locations Affected: Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s National People’s Power (NPP) coalition has won a decisive victory in the snap parliamentary elections. The elections were called by Dissanayake after his election as President on 21 September, aiming to secure more seats in the 225-member parliament. The Election Commission of Sri Lanka said on Friday, 15 Nov that Dissanayake’s NPP coalition secured a two-thirds majority in parliament, winning 159 of the 225 seats, a huge lead on Sajith Premadasa-led opposition alliance Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), with victory in 40 seats. As the NPP coalition held only three seats in the last parliament. The main constituent of the NPP is Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), with Dissanayake as its leader.
Dissanayake’s election as president and the NPP’s landslide victory in the parliamentary elections came amid an economic crisis that began in 2019 and growing discontent over austerity measures imposed by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe as part of a bailout deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). His victory and that of the NPP reflects a growing discontent with traditionally dominant political families.
Potential Impact of NPP Gaining Parliamentary Majority
The NPP coalition’s victory in the parliamentary elections could mark a significant shift in the island nation’s political landscape. The victory of Dissanayake-led leftist coalition marks a clear break from the political families that have long dominated the political landscape of the country.
After being disillusioned by the former regimes, Sri Lankan people have very high expectations from President Dissanayake, a leftist leader who has come to power promising to combat corruption, alleviate poverty and speed up economic recovery.
NPP’s landslide victory in the snap elections would mean greater legislative power to President Dissanayake, allowing him to pursue his policies, which primarily aim to alleviate poverty and fight corruption as the country recovers from a serious financial meltdown. Steering the country towards economic recovery while addressing the issue of inflation would be a key policy challenge for Dissanayake.
The results in Sri Lanka are a continuation of the wider global electoral trend in 2024, where most incumbents have been voted out. The poll results reflect the widespread anger in the country against the incumbents.
Dissanayake’s party JVP which leads the NPP alliance has some history of anti-India and pro-China leaning. JVP had opposed the India-Sri Lanka Accord of 1987. Dissanayake also opposed any investigation into the alleged war crimes committed during the civil war between LTTE and Sri Lankan forces.
However, Dissanayake has expressed a desire to engage with India and maintain cordial relations. He said he would ensure that Sri Lanka’s land, sea and airspace are not used in ways threatening India and regional stability. He also said he carefully considered the impact of economic measures while recognising India’s support for development effort in Sri Lanka. India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was the first foreign dignitary to visit Sri Lanka after Dissanayake came to power. They discussed strengthening cooperation in tourism, energy, and investments as well as deepening ties between India and Sri Lanka. The importance of continued collaboration on fisheries, security, national unity and strengthening Sri Lanka’s economic recovery also featured in their discussions.
The election results could lead to significant changes in economic policies, such as income tax reductions and the implementation of anti-poverty and anti-corruption measures. Although Dissanayake was critical of the IMF deal, he announced the continuation of the agreement following a meeting in October. However, he has sought alternative measures to replace the severe austerity policies introduced by his predecessor.
Heightened security measures were in place near government buildings until vote counting was completed. Widespread celebratory rallies and gatherings are expected, which may lead to minor travel disruptions.
The people of Sri Lanka have given a sweeping mandate to Dissanayake and NPP. It is now their turn to deliver on the lofty promises.
