Anura Kumara Dissanayake was elected as new president of Sri Lanka on 22 September 2024, signifying a notable transformation in the country’s political landscape. His triumph is regarded as a definitive “vote for change,” signifying the electorate’s aspiration for new leadership in the aftermath of the profound economic crisis that afflicted the nation in 2022. Dissanayake, a candidate with leftist and Marxist inclinations, secured 5.6 million votes, representing 42.3% of the total, a significant rise from the 3% he obtained in the 2019 presidential election.
In contrast, incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who contributed to economic stabilization following the crisis, secured third place with merely 17% of the vote. His re-election campaign was impeded by the austerity measures enacted during his administration, which, although essential for recovery, failed to resonate positively with the electorate. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa also did not obtain a sufficiently robust vote, highlighting the electorate’s transition towards Dissanayake’s reformative pledges. This election represented a historical precedent, necessitating a second round of counting due to neither of the leading candidates securing the requisite 50% majority initially.
Dissanayake’s campaign concentrated on eradicating corruption and revitalizing the economy, resonating with citizens desiring accountability and reform in governance. In his victory speech, Dissanayake underscored the collaborative endeavor that facilitated his triumph, crediting his success to the backing of numerous voters. He articulated optimism and resolve to collaboratively reshape Sri Lankan history with the people, signifying a dedication to cultivating a government that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of every citizen.
2024 Election Manifesto
In the 2024 election in Sri Lanka, the presidential candidates’ manifestos tackle gender issues with differing degrees of emphasis. Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasizes social welfare and inclusivity, concentrating on improving programs for marginalized communities, although he does not propose specific gender-targeted initiatives. His dedication to enhancing healthcare implicitly encompasses women’s health, especially maternal care. Sajith Premadasa, conversely, emphasizes the empowerment of marginalized communities, explicitly championing gender equality. His manifesto encompasses educational and healthcare reforms targeting women-led households and marginalized communities, in addition to social protection initiatives intended to mitigate poverty. Anura Kumara Dissanayake advocates for labor rights and equitable remuneration, especially for women and individuals with disabilities, while also incorporating welfare programs for families led by women. Wickremesinghe’s approach is more general, whereas Premadasa’s is distinguished by its explicit emphasis on gender equality, with Dissanayake also tackling gender issues via labor rights and social protection.
In the 2024 presidential election in Sri Lanka, candidates articulated divergent visions for the nation’s future, emphasizing economic revitalization, stability, and social welfare. Incumbent president Ranil Wickremesinghe underscores economic stability and growth as essential for recovery, advocating fiscal reforms to diminish the budget deficit and regulate public debt. His strategy seeks to draw foreign investment by establishing a conducive business climate and improving the ease of conducting business, demonstrating a pragmatic response to the country’s economic difficulties following the crisis.
Sajith Premadasa, head of the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya (SJS), presents a comprehensive vision named “A Win for All,” promoting a social market economy that harmonizes free-market efficiency with social equity. His manifesto delineates five fundamental pillars: constructing a robust economy, empowering citizens, augmenting government services, preserving quality of life, and ensuring national security. Premadasa’s initiatives emphasize transparency, accountability, and the elimination of corruption, advocating for reforms in debt management, monetary policy, and revenue generation, while also modernizing agriculture and advancing a green economy.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the National People’s Power (NPP) advocates for a production-oriented economy that leverages the nation’s natural resources, such as minerals and tourism. His manifesto underscores digital transformation and a democratic economy, prioritizing food security and sustainable resource management. Dissanayake intends to enhance infrastructure, modernize the energy sector through renewable sources, and improve public transportation, with the objective of fostering an inclusive economic environment that prioritizes local industries.
In summary, Wickremesinghe’s strategy is pragmatic and centered on fiscal stability, whereas Premadasa advocates for social justice integrated with economic growth. Dissanayake underscores the importance of resource management and sustainability, promoting a production-oriented economy that serves the interests of all citizens. The vision of each candidate demonstrates their comprehension of the complexities confronting Sri Lanka and the varied needs of its population in the post-crisis context.
Sri Lankan Economic Crisis
Anura Kumara Dissanayake is expected to encounter considerable economic challanges upon assuming the presidency of Sri Lanka, especially following the nation’s deep financial crisis. In 2022, Sri Lanka’s GDP diminished by 7.8%, while inflation reached a zenith of 69.8% in September (World Bank, 2023). The country defaulted on its $51 billion debt, initiating negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout package. The IMF anticipates a gradual recovery, predicting a GDP growth of 1.5% in 2024 (IMF, 2023).
A significant challenge is the high unemployment rate, especially among youth, which was approximately 20.2% in 2023, substantially surpassing the national average of about 5.4% (Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka, 2023). This is exacerbated by a skills gap, as numerous graduates lack the necessary competencies for the job market. The Asian Development Bank (2022) emphasizes the significance of fostering entrepreneurship via financial access and training to mitigate youth unemployment. Infrastructure development is essential for economic recovery. In 2022, Sri Lanka’s infrastructure expenditure constituted approximately 3.5% of GDP, falling short of the requisite level to facilitate sustainable growth (Asian Development Bank, 2023). The energy sector has encountered considerable difficulties, including recurrent power shortages attributable to antiquated infrastructure. The World Bank (2023) underscores the necessity for a $12 billion investment in infrastructure over the forthcoming decade to satisfy growth requirements.
Gender inequality in Sri Lanka is a multifaceted issue impacting women’s lives, encompassing sex-selective abortions, education, and employment opportunities. Although Sri Lanka is highly ranked on gender equality indices, it holds a lower position globally. The systematic devaluation of females results in restricted access to healthcare, education, and advanced employment opportunities, compounded by diminished political engagement and reduced social rights, as observed by Dr. Elaine Enarson (2015). The entrenched patriarchal social structure in Sri Lanka significantly perpetuates gender inequality, limiting women’s roles and opportunities in both public and private domains. Patriarchy, defined by male supremacy and cultural conventions that prioritize men, establishes obstacles for women in multiple domains. Although there has been incremental advancement in gender equality, conventional gender roles persist in obstructing women’s complete engagement in the economy and governance.
The Global Gender Gap Report 2023 positions Sri Lanka at 108th among 146 nations, highlighting ongoing inequalities in economic participation and opportunities (World Economic Forum, 2023). Women constitute approximately 50% of the workforce yet frequently occupy low-paying, informal positions, encountering systemic obstacles to career progression and economic stability (Department of Census and Statistics, 2022). Experts Matt Withers and Janaka Biyanwila emphasize that Sri Lanka’s labor market is significantly segmented, restricting sustainable economic prospects for women, especially in agriculture and plantation sectors, where female workers frequently earn lower wages and encounter discrimination (Withers & Biyanwila, 2023).
Marriage perpetuates patriarchal norms, imposing societal expectations that compel women to prioritize familial obligations over professional aspirations. A 2022 survey revealed that more than 70% of women felt obligated to prioritize family responsibilities (Sri Lanka Gender Equality Survey, 2022). The absence of supportive work-life balance policies, including parental leave and affordable childcare, intensifies these challenges, as the International Labour Organization observes minimal advancement in family-friendly workplace policies in Sri Lanka (ILO, 2023).
Intersectionality complicates these matters, as women from marginalized communities, including ethnic minorities and those in rural areas, encounter further obstacles to education and employment. A study conducted by the Asian Development Bank indicated that women in rural Sri Lanka possess markedly reduced access to vocational training programs, thereby constraining their employability and economic autonomy (Asian Development Bank, 2021). To advance gender equality, Sri Lanka must confront these ingrained patriarchal norms. Efforts must concentrate on augmenting women’s economic involvement via specific policies that facilitate access to education, vocational training, and equitable labor rights, while simultaneously addressing societal perceptions of gender roles to enable women to fully engage in the economy and society.
Vision for New President
To effectively address the economic challenges and gender disparities in Sri Lanka, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake needs to implement several strategic initiatives. Initially, comprehensive fiscal reforms are essential for economic stabilization, focusing on decreasing the budget deficit and managing public debt through increased revenue and enhanced governmental efficiency. Encouraging foreign investment is crucial, particularly in industries such as tourism, renewable energy, and technology. However, internal solutions/strategies are more important than the external. Additionally, targeted employment initiatives for youth, including vocational training and apprenticeship programs, can reduce high unemployment rates. Enabling access to financing, mentorship, and training for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is crucial for economic diversification and employment generation. Dissanayake should develop specific policies to promote gender equality in the workplace, encompassing the implementation of equal pay, anti-discrimination laws, and gender-sensitive hiring practices. Enhancing access to quality education and vocational training for women, particularly in marginalized communities, is imperative. Implementing family-centric workplace policies, such as parental leave and accessible childcare services, will aid women in balancing professional and familial responsibilities.
Public awareness campaigns are crucial for addressing and altering societal perceptions of gender roles. Furthermore, executing initiatives designed to economically empower women, including microfinance programs and support for women-owned businesses, can significantly enhance their participation in the economy. Ultimately, advocating for women’s political participation through quotas and leadership development will ensure their representation in governance. By integrating these recommendations into his administration’s agenda, President Dissanayake can promote a more inclusive and sustainable future for Sri Lanka.
At last, Dissanayake’s presidency may take a strategic approach to traverse the economic landscape, emphasizing post-crisis recovery, job creation, and infrastructure development. Through the implementation of targeted policies informed by data-driven insights and international collaboration, his administration can strive to establish a stable and prosperous Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka's Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Photo Credit: Bunty456, Wikimedia Commons