Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Sri Lanka’s leftist leader, became president on Monday, promising change for a nation long ruled by powerful families and recovering from its worst economic crisis in decades. Millions voted for him, trusting his pledge to fight corruption and support economic recovery.
At his inauguration, Dissanayake, 55, vowed to protect democracy and clean up politics. Running under the National People’s Power alliance, he aims to bring a fresh political culture. Supporters outside cheered, holding his posters and waving Sri Lankan flags.