EU ‘looking forward’ to work with Sri Lanka’s new leftist leader
BRUSSELS -The European Union on Monday (23) congratulated Sri Lanka’s first leftist president on his election, saying the bloc would continue to support the Indian Ocean island in its path towards economic recovery.
Self-avowed Marxist Anura Kumara Dissanayaka was sworn into office Monday after trouncing his nearest rivals in Saturday’s (21) vote.
An EU spokesman said the bloc congratulated Dissanayaka on his election, describing Sri Lanka as an “important and valued partner”.
Dissanayaka, 55, previously a fringe politician whose People’s Liberation Front (JVP) led two failed uprisings that left tens of thousands dead, saw a surge of support after a 2022 economic meltdown brought misery to millions of ordinary Sri Lankans.
“We look forward to working with President Dissanayaka and continue EU’s support to Sri Lanka’s reforms to bring the country to economic recovery, lasting reconciliation and inclusive prosperity and growth,” the EU spokesman said.
Dissanayaka succeeds Ranil Wickremesinghe, who took office at the peak of the financial crisis following the government’s first foreign debt default and months of punishing food, fuel and medicine shortages.
Wickremesinghe imposed tax hikes and other austerity measures under the terms of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout.
His policies ended the shortages and returned the economy to growth but left millions struggling to make ends meet.
The EU commended Saturday’s vote as peaceful and competitive.
“The people of Sri Lanka demonstrated once again their commitment to democracy, with a high voter turnout,” the spokesman said.
– Agence France Presse
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