SRI LANKA - Marxist Wins Presidential Election
Marxist lawmaker Anura Kumara Dissanayake won Sri Lanka’s presidential election, according to data released by the Election Commission, as voters rejected the old political guard that has been widely accused of pushing the South Asian nation toward economic ruin.
Dissanayake, whose pro-working class and anti-political elite campaigning made him popular among youth, secured victory over opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and incumbent liberal President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who took over the country two years ago after its economy hit bottom.
Dissanayake, 55, leads the left-leaning coalition National People’s Power, an umbrella of civil society groups, professionals, Buddhist clergy and students.
It was a strong showing for Dissanayake, who won just over 3% of votes in a previous presidential election in 2019, and suggests voters are fatigued with the old political guard.
The government announced that it passed the final hurdle in debt restructuring by reaching an agreement in principle with private bond holders. At the time of its default, Sri Lanka’s local and foreign debt totaled $83 billion. The government says it has now restructured more than $17 billion.
Despite a significant improvement in key economic figures, Sri Lankans are struggling with high taxes and living costs.
-www.npr.org, 22 September 2024
Arno's Commentary
Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, was partially occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th century, the Dutch in the 17th century, was ceded to the British in 1796, and became a crown colony in 1802. Their independence took place in 1948, and the name was changed to from Ceylon to Sri Lanka, according to the World Factbook.
The nation of about 23 million people has an average life expectancy of 78.8 years, and a per capita GDP of $13,000.
While Dissanayake is considered a communist, the nation’s strong religious belief will be a stumbling block to implement full-fledged Marxism. Religiously, Sri Lanka is 70.2% Buddhist, 12.6% Hindu, 9.7% Muslim, 6.1% Roman Catholic, and 1.3% other Christian.
Doubtless, the Church is also present on that island nation, and they do need our support in prayer. May the Lord of the harvest gather souls for His kingdom.