Colombo, Sri Lanka — Leftist politician Anura Kumara Dissanayake is leading in Sri Lanka’s presidential election, signaling a possible end to the era of traditional political elites. As of Sunday morning, Dissanayake had secured 42% of the vote, falling short of the 51% required to claim victory outright, but nonetheless emerging as the frontrunner in an election seen as one of the closest in the country's history.

This is the first presidential election since the 2022 mass protests, which ousted former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa during Sri Lanka's worst economic crisis. The country’s economic collapse sparked the "Aragalaya" (struggle) movement, leading to widespread calls for reform and systemic change. The election marks a crucial moment for a nation still grappling with its economic recovery.

Dissanayake's anti-corruption platform, focused on governance reform, has resonated strongly with voters eager for change after years of mismanagement. His message has struck a chord in a country where public trust in politicians remains fragile following the economic collapse that left millions in poverty.

While Dissanayake currently leads the race with 42% of votes counted, he has yet to reach the 51% threshold needed to avoid a second-round vote. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa is in second place with 32%, while incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe has so far garnered 16%. Namal Rajapaksa, nephew of the ousted former president, trails with just 3%.

Should no candidate secure a majority, a second-round vote will take place, considering voters' second and third choices for president. However, with congratulatory messages already pouring in for Dissanayake from political rivals, a win appears imminent.

Despite his own campaign efforts, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry conceded defeat on social media, acknowledging Dissanayake’s likely victory. "Though I heavily campaigned for President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the people of Sri Lanka have made their decision, and I fully respect their mandate for Anura Kumara Dissanayake," Sabry posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Premadasa's supporters also accepted the emerging results. Harsha de Silva, a prominent member of Premadasa's camp, congratulated Dissanayake, recognizing his lead in the polls. "It is now clear @anuradisanayake will be the new President of #SriLanka," de Silva wrote.

Dissanayake's rise to the presidency, while not yet officially confirmed, would represent a significant shift in Sri Lanka’s political landscape. Notably, his campaign did not lean on the divisive racial or religious rhetoric that has often characterized Sri Lankan politics. Tamil National Alliance (TNA) spokesman MA Sumanthiran commended Dissanayake for achieving an “impressive win” without exploiting these divisions.

If elected, Dissanayake will inherit a nation still reeling from economic collapse. In 2022, Sri Lanka’s foreign currency reserves were depleted, preventing essential imports such as food and fuel. Inflation surged to 70%, making basic necessities unaffordable for the population, and public debt ballooned to $83 billion. The Rajapaksa family, who had governed for over a decade, faced widespread criticism for their role in mismanaging the country’s finances.

Wickremesinghe, who assumed office after Rajapaksa’s resignation, had negotiated a $2.9 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This financial lifeline is crucial for opening up additional funding channels, but it also comes with stringent economic reforms aimed at addressing years of policy failures, under-taxation, and corruption.

Sri Lanka’s new president will need to continue restructuring the country’s $36 billion foreign debt, including $7 billion owed to China, its largest bilateral creditor. The country is also navigating difficult negotiations with domestic and international lenders while attempting to revitalize key economic sectors such as tourism.

Despite the high stakes, Sri Lanka’s elections commission reported the vote as the most peaceful in the country’s history, with 17 million Sri Lankans eligible to cast ballots. However, authorities did impose a curfew late Saturday night, extending it until noon Sunday citing concerns for public safety.

As the nation waits for the official results, Dissanayake’s lead signifies the potential for significant change. Should he win, the new president will be tasked with restoring economic stability and charting a course for Sri Lanka’s recovery from one of its darkest periods.

This article provides an in-depth look at Anura Kumara Dissanayake's lead in the Sri Lankan presidential election and the challenges that await the country’s new leadership.