How Sri Lanka’s new president moved From Marxist rebellion to mainstream

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a former Marxist-Leninist insurgent, has been elected as Sri Lanka’s new president. His victory marks a significant shift in the nation’s political landscape, traditionally dominated by dynastic families. Dissanayake aims to renegotiate IMF loan conditions to ease the burden on the poor while maintaining international support. Known by his initials AKD, Dissanayake holds more of a popular mandate than any Sri Lankan leader in recent years.