Driving on the left

His hardline Marxist ideology may not help Anura Kumara Dissanayake solve Sri Lanka’s economic problems. For India, his pro-China outlook could be a headache

- LAKSHMI SUBRAMANIAN

Two weeks before the presidential election in Sri Lanka, members of the island nation’s business community gathered at the Monarch Imperial hotel in Colombo to listen to Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who was the surprise frontrunner. The businessmen were probably concerned about a Marxist leader taking over as president. Anura spoke for about an hour, trying to assuage their concerns and explaining his plans for the economy.

As he was leaving, this correspondent tried to ask him a few questions. “We will win,” he said. But he was in no mood to talk further. “Please share your contact number. I will call you.” He kept his word.

A fortnight later, when the votes were counted, Anura won a clear mandate, beating key challengers like Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and Ranil Wickremesinghe of the United National Party. He was sworn in on September 23.

Sri Lanka’s new generation voters expect Anura to combine his hardline Marxist principles with pragmatic reforms. “The people wanted a change in the political and the economic systems. We want to make that wish a reality,” said Anil Jayantha, a prominent member of Anura’s political coalition. “Our leader has the education, competence, skills and vision. All these years, the people’s mandate was used to serve private interests and the elites. He will use it to uphold public interest.”