The magic behind Dissanayake’s rise in Sri Lankan politics
As the leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a left-wing marxist political party, Dissanayak has framed himself as a man of the people, a fresh face, and a new direction
As a man standing against entrenched political dynasties, Anura Kumara Dissanayake's rise in popularity could be thought of as magical.
As the leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a left-wing marxist political party, Dissanayak has framed himself as a man of the people, a fresh face, and a new direction.
Born in 1968, Dissanayake became active in politics during his youth, and over the years, he has gained a reputation for being an outspoken critic of corruption and poor governance in Sri Lanka.
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Though his party, the JVP, holds only three seats in the 225-seat Sri Lankan Parliament, he has recently surged in popularity and leads in several polls ahead of the next national elections.
Why is Dissanayake leading in the polls?
Despite the JVP's small representation in Parliament, Dissanayake's rise in the polls can be attributed to several factors.
One major reason is his consistent stance on tackling corruption, inequality, and mismanagement, issues that many Sri Lankans feel have plagued the country for years.
After the severe economic crisis Sri Lanka faced in 2022, where shortages of fuel, food, and medicine led to widespread protests, people began to look for alternatives to the long-established political leaders.
His message of reform and his calls for change have resonated with a public frustrated by the failures of traditional politicians.
Moreover, Dissanayake is seen as a fresh face in a political landscape dominated by familiar names, especially the powerful Rajapaksa family.
Many voters feel that it is time for a new direction, and Dissanayake's straightforward manner and integrity have won him the trust of a broad section of the population, particularly young voters who are disillusioned with the old guard.
The fall of the Rajapaksa political dynasty
For decades, the Rajapaksa family wielded significant influence over Sri Lankan politics.
Mahinda Rajapaksa, a former president, and his brothers held key government positions, and their family became synonymous with power in Sri Lanka.
However, the economic crisis of 2022 was a major blow to their legacy.
Under Gotabaya Rajapaksa's presidency, the South Asian country experienced severe mismanagement, which led to inflation, food shortages, and an unprecedented economic collapse.
The Sri Lankan public blamed the Rajapaksas for many of these issues, and widespread protests forced Gotabaya to resign from the presidency in July 2022.
Namal Rajapakse, the son of Mahinda Rajapakse, was once seen as the future leader of the family and even Sri Lanka, however his performance during the current elections has been lacklustre.
Namal has struggled to win the support of the people, especially the younger generation, who view him as part of the failed political system.
The fall of the Rajapaksa political dynasty was inevitable after the crisis, as their reputation was severely damaged.
The people no longer trusted them to lead, and their failure to address the worsening conditions made way for new political figures to emerge, like Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
What is the secret behind Dissanayake's success?
Unlike some of Sri Lanka's traditional leaders, Dissanayake doesn't come from a wealthy, powerful family, which makes him relatable to many voters.
His focus on anti-corruption measures, social justice, and economic reform has gained him a reputation as a leader who prioritises the well-being of the people over personal gain, in addition to presenting clear, practical solutions to Sri Lanka's problems. This has made him a popular figure among a population that is tired of political scandals and ineffective leadership..
With Sri Lanka searching for new leadership, Dissanayake's message of reform and transparency has resonated deeply with voters.
