COLOMBO — Just over two years after Sri Lanka’s historic Aragalaya uprising, which ousted former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the movement’s enduring influence continues to shape the nation’s political landscape. As the country prepares for a pivotal presidential election, the momentum from the 2022 protests is now rallying behind Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD), a Marxist-leaning candidate, who is running on an anti-corruption platform and a promise to rebuild Sri Lanka’s economy.
Dissanayake has gained widespread support since the economic crisis of 2022, which caused shortages of essentials like fuel and medicine, and plunged the country into turmoil. The former president’s government was widely seen as corrupt and disconnected from the public’s needs, which fueled the Aragalaya (Sinhala for “struggle”) and ultimately forced Rajapaksa to flee the country.
Leading in the polls at 36%, Dissanayake is running as the face of change, pledging to tackle the issues the Aragalaya protesters raised, while drawing attention to the need for a political overhaul. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa follows closely behind with 32%, while the current president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, trails at 28%. Wickremesinghe, who took over after Rajapaksa’s resignation, has overseen a partial recovery, backed by a $2.9 billion IMF bailout and a $25 billion debt restructuring plan.
Despite improvements like inflation falling from a high of 70% and the economy showing signs of growth, many Sri Lankans remain frustrated by austerity measures. Melani Gunathilaka, a political activist and former Aragalaya protester, voiced the sentiments of many voters: “The recovery has come at a great cost, and people are still struggling. This election is a chance to vote for leaders who are not out of touch.”
Though Dissanayake’s campaign promises include restructuring the IMF-backed debt program and reducing taxes, some economists worry about the feasibility of his proposals. However, his message of change continues to resonate with voters, especially those frustrated by the status quo and eager for new leadership that can address long-standing corruption and economic disparity.
Whether Dissanayake can turn his popular support into an electoral victory remains to be seen, but his rise represents the lasting legacy of the Aragalaya movement—a force still driving Sri Lankan politics today.