President Anura Kumara Dissanayake Promises Democracy and Trust

• Sri Lanka’s newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake pledges to strengthen democracy and win people’s trust.
• Dissanayake, 55, takes over the top office amid a crippling economic crisis.
• He secured 42.31% of the votes to win the September 21 presidential election, closely fought with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
• His National People’s Power (NPP) Alliance campaigned on anti-corruption and pledged to change the country’s political culture.
• Dissanayake’s victory marks a shift in Sri Lankan politics, away from traditional parties and political elite.
• Despite winning the election, he pledges to work hard to win the trust of those who didn’t vote for him.
• He pledged support to businesses and said he would work with all international actors while keeping Sri Lanka’s best interests in mind.