Dissanayaka, the newly elected president of Sri Lanka, expressed a desire for international support to rebuild the country’s economy and emphasized the importance of working with other nations. Despite the JVP’s historical anti-West and anti-India stance, Dissanayaka stressed that Sri Lanka should not be isolated and should collaborate with other countries for the benefit of its people. He made these statements in the presence of Colombo-based diplomats, highlighting the need for global cooperation in today’s interconnected world.
India and China, two influential neighbors of Sri Lanka, are vying for influence in the island nation, which is strategically located on global east-west sea routes. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his readiness to work closely with Dissanayaka to strengthen cooperation for the benefit of both countries and the entire region. Chinese President Xi Jinping also expressed his hopes of continuing the traditional friendship between China and Sri Lanka and enhancing mutual political trust with the new president.
Despite the JVP’s history of violence, including leading rebellions in the 1970s and 1980s that resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, Dissanayaka has renounced violence and focused on transforming Sri Lanka’s political landscape by combating corruption. His popularity rose during the country’s crisis, and he was elected as president with just over 42% of the popular vote, the lowest since presidential elections began in 1988. Dissanayaka, who was a JVP student leader during one of the insurrections, has shared stories of being sheltered by a teacher from government-backed death squads targeting party activists.
Dissanayaka acknowledged the size and composition of the mandate he received as president, recognizing that he had not garnered support from a majority of voters. He stated that it was his responsibility to earn the trust and confidence of those who did not vote for him, emphasizing the need for unity and collaboration in moving the country forward. By reaching out to international partners and committing to work with other nations, Dissanayaka aims to rebuild Sri Lanka’s economy and address the challenges facing the country while fostering positive relationships with neighboring countries like India and China.
