Sri Lankans to vote for change in parliament poll
Sri Lankans are set to vote in a parliamentary election this week, marking a potential shift away from decades of family-led politics.
The snap election was called by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a Marxist-leaning leader seeking a stronger legislative mandate to advance economic reforms in the debt-stricken country.
Dissanayake, who was elected in September, leads the National People's Power (NPP) coalition, which currently holds only three out of 225 seats in parliament. His presidency represents a break from the dominance of dynastic politics in Sri Lanka, as he rose to power on promises of reform, anti-corruption measures, and economic revival following a severe financial crisis.
Speaking at a rally, Dissanayake noted the shift in public confidence, stating, 'In the past, people did not believe in us, but our September victory showed that we can lead and form a government.'
Sri Lanka’s economic troubles peaked in 2022 due to a foreign currency shortage compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. While a $2.9 billion International Monetary Fund bailout has supported a slow recovery, high living costs remain a pressing concern for many citizens.
Dissanayake plans to renegotiate revenue targets under the IMF program, aiming to reduce high income taxes and redirect funds toward social welfare for those most affected by the crisis.
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