Anura Kumara Dissanayake marked two years in office as Sri Lanka’s ninth executive president on September 23, 2026, following a presidential election that defied longstanding political norms. Elected on September 21, 2024, Dissanayake broke from the country’s traditional two-party system, which had long been dominated by the United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and their offshoots. His victory, secured after a second count, came with 42 percent of the vote, a clear departure from previous elections where candidates generally won outright majorities.
Dissanayake’s rise was notably distinct from his 2020 performance when he captured only about three percent of votes as the National Peoples’ Power (NPP) candidate. His 2024 success reflected a rapid expansion of support, indicating a significant shift in voter dynamics. Analysts attribute this to a growing segment of the electorate that resists traditional party loyalties, instead frequently changing allegiances based on current sentiments. This “floating voter” bloc poses a challenge for the NPP, as its core support remains uncertain and may not match the organizational strength of established parties such as the Samagi Jana Balageaya (SJB) or the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).
Over the past two years, President Dissanayake and his government have recorded several achievements, particularly in tackling corruption—one of their central campaign promises. High-profile arrests and detentions have targeted political figures, including members of the Rajapaksa family, once seen as untouchable. Former ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Piyankara Jayaratne, and Nalin Fernando have been imprisoned. Additionally, the government has overseen progress in the judicial process related to the April 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks. The recent Colombo High Court verdict sentenced former Defence Ministry Secretary Hemasiri Fernando and ex-Police Chief Pujith Jayasundara to death for negligence. The investigation into complicity and conspiracy continues, raising questions about other officials like Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekara, who remains in office despite his name surfacing in related inquiries.
Economically, Dissanayake, who also serves as Finance Minister, has maintained continuity with previous administrations, retaining agreements with the International Monetary Fund and keeping key officials from the Central Bank and Treasury in place. While the economy has not rebounded strongly, it has avoided further deterioration despite challenges such as Cyclone Dithiwa and disruptions to global trade routes.
However, governance under the NPP has highlighted internal weaknesses. The 22-member Cabinet comprises many professionals with advanced degrees but lacks standout political leadership. Key figures, including Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, have maintained low profiles, and incidents of public missteps by government officials have drawn criticism and necessitated direct intervention by the president to clarify or correct statements.
Several campaign pledges remain unfulfilled, most notably the commitment to abolish the executive presidency and conduct provincial council elections. Legal changes required for these polls have faced delays, with the government adopting a cautious, committee-based approach rather than swift legislative action. Opposition parties have expressed willingness to support reforms to facilitate elections, underscoring that delays may stem more from political will than procedural obstacles.
The NPP’s electoral prospects remain mixed. Despite disappointing results in local government and cooperative society elections, fragmented opposition continues to offer strategic advantages. Targeted prosecutions of opposition leaders have heightened political tensions, fueling warnings from critics about the risk of an emerging one-party dominance.
President Dissanayake’s two-year tenure thus far presents a complex picture: a break from entrenched political patterns accompanied by notable efforts to address corruption and maintain economic stability, counterbalanced by challenges in governance, communication, and political reform. As he enters the third year of his term, his ability to navigate internal team dynamics and deliver on key promises will likely shape his legacy and influence Sri Lanka’s political landscape leading up to the 2029 elections.