EU ‘looking forward’ to work with President

The EU 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.

Anura Kumara Dissanayaka was sworn into office Monday after trouncing his nearest rivals in Saturday’s vote.

An EU spokesman said the bloc congratulated Dissanayaka on his election, describing Sri Lanka as an “important and valued partner.”

Dissanayaka, 55, 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 continuing the 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, leaving 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.