The Rajapaksa family’s stronghold on Sri Lankan politics was broken in 2022 following mass protests over the country’s economic crisis that led to the ousting of then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. In their place, voters rallied behind Chamal Rajapaksa, despite concerns over his party’s controversial past. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) party, led failed uprisings in the 1980s that resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. While Dissanayake has since apologized for the violence, questions still linger about the role the JVP may play in the country’s political future.
Sri Lanka continues to struggle with its worst financial crisis in decades, exacerbated by the stringent austerity measures imposed by the IMF as part of a $2.9 billion bailout package. These measures have led to spending cuts and tax hikes, leaving millions of Sri Lankans struggling to make ends meet. In light of this, Dissanayake has pledged to go against some IMF conditions in order to fulfill his campaign promises of lower taxes and utility bills. He has also expressed a desire to negotiate with the IMF for a more favorable deal moving forward.
Despite Dissanayake’s promises of a more democratic rule, some remain skeptical given Sri Lanka’s recent democratic challenges. It remains to be seen how he will navigate the country’s political landscape, especially with the lingering presence of the JVP and the aftermath of the Rajapaksa era. With the country still reeling from the economic meltdown and the impact of IMF conditions, Dissanayake faces an uphill battle in trying to restore stability and prosperity to the nation.
The fallout from the economic crisis has had a profound impact on the daily lives of Sri Lankans, with many struggling to afford basic necessities due to the high cost of living. In response, Dissanayake has promised to take measures to alleviate the burden on the population, including lowering taxes and utility bills. His willingness to challenge IMF conditions and negotiate for a better deal suggests a departure from the previous regime’s approach and a focus on addressing the needs of the people.
As Dissanayake seeks to lead Sri Lanka out of its current crisis, he faces a daunting task of rebuilding the economy and restoring confidence in the government. The challenges ahead are formidable, but his promises of a more inclusive and transparent government offer a glimpse of hope for a country in need of stability and direction. It remains to be seen how he will navigate the complex political landscape and deliver on his commitments to the people, but the stakes are high as Sri Lanka looks to move forward from a tumultuous period in its history.
