Marxist-leaning Dissanayaka to be Sri Lanka's next president

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the leader of the National People's Power (NPP) alliance, has been declared the winner of Sri Lanka's presidential election. He secured 42.31% of the vote, winning the presidency in a second round of counting, a first in Sri Lanka's history. Dissanayake's victory marks a significant shift in the country's politics, as he is a Marxist-leaning candidate with a strong left-wing ideology. His win is attributed to a surge in support due to the economic meltdown that has affected Sri Lankans, forcing widespread hardships. The election was decided by preferential votes, with Dissanayake defeating incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Dissanayake's victory is seen as a rejection of the old political guard that has been accused of pushing Sri Lanka towards economic ruin.