On February 4, 2025, Sri Lanka celebrates its 77th Independence Day, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s history. This year’s celebrations are particularly noteworthy as they occur under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who assumed office in September 2024. His election is seen as a unifying moment, bringing together people from all ethnicities and regions across the country.
Born on November 24, 1968, in Thambuttegama, Anuradhapura district, Dissanayake hails from a modest background, with his father working as a laborer and his mother as a housewife. He became politically active during his school years, participating in student demonstrations against the Indo-Sri Lanka Agreement of 1987. This early involvement laid the foundation for his future political career.
Dissanayake’s political journey is deeply intertwined with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a Marxist political party known for its insurrections in the 1970s and 1980s. Over the years, he has worked to transform the party’s image, emphasizing transparency, anti-corruption, and pro-poor policies. His leadership of the National People’s Power (NPP) coalition reflects a commitment to addressing the needs of all Sri Lankans, transcending ethnic and regional divides.
In his inaugural address, President Dissanayake highlighted the importance of unity and the collective effort required to overcome the nation’s challenges. He stated, “This achievement is not the result of any single person’s work, but the collective effort of hundreds of thousands of you. Your commitment has brought us this far, and for that, I am deeply grateful. This victory belongs to all of us.”
His election marks a departure from the traditional political elite, resonating with a populace eager for change amidst economic hardships and a desire for inclusive governance. As Sri Lanka commemorates its independence, the nation looks forward to a future under a leadership that seeks to unify and uplift all its people.
Article by
Ashoka Peiris – csnamedia Editor