Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Anura Kumara Dissanayake on his victory in the Sri Lankan presidential election, following an unprecedented second round of voting. Dissanayake, a 55-year-old Marxist-leaning politician from the National People's Power (NPP) coalition, emerged victorious after defeating incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa. Dissanayake secured 5.6 million votes, representing 42.3% of the total, a significant improvement from his 2019 election performance.

PM Modi shared his congratulations on X, highlighting the importance of Sri Lanka in India's "Neighbourhood First" policy and Vision SAGAR. He expressed his eagerness to work closely with Dissanayake to enhance bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both nations.

Dissanayake campaigned on a platform of anti-corruption measures, pro-poor policies, and sweeping reforms aimed at improving governance and ending family rule. Despite being considered an outsider in the race, his promises of economic relief and a fresh approach to politics resonated with voters. His victory comes as Sri Lanka seeks to recover from its worst financial crisis in decades, compounded by austerity measures linked to a $2.9 billion IMF bailout. He is expected to dissolve parliament within 45 days and seek a fresh mandate to implement his policies. 

Dissanayake now faces the challenge of stabilizing the economy, reassuring investors, and lifting millions of Sri Lankans out of poverty while ensuring adherence to the IMF program until 2027.

HC @santjha called on 🇱🇰 President-elect @anuradisanayake. Conveyed greetings from India’s leadership and congratulated him on winning the people’s mandate. 🇮🇳 as 🇱🇰’s civilisational twin is committed to further deepen ties for the prosperity of the people of our two countries. pic.twitter.com/l5qUxmAcA1

— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) September 22, 2024