Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the presidential candidate from National People's Power, addresses his supporters during an election campaign rally ahead of presidential election, on the outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka, September 18, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
South Asia

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

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the presidential candidate from National People's Power, speaks to the press after casting his vote at a polling station, on the day of the presidential election, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, September 21, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Stringer
South Asia

Sri Lanka's Marxist-leaning Dissanayake in early lead to become president