Sri Lankans delivered a resounding victory to Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his leftist coalition, the National People’s Power (NPP), in a snap general election, granting the new president significant legislative power to address poverty and corruption as the nation recovers from an economic crisis.
Dissanayake, a political outsider in a landscape long dominated by family dynasties, had already won the presidency decisively in September. However, with his NPP holding just three seats in the 225-member parliament, he dissolved the legislature and called for fresh elections to secure a stronger mandate.
In Thursday’s election, the NPP secured 107 seats, garnering nearly 62% of the vote—or 6.8 million ballots—according to the Election Commission of Sri Lanka. This puts the coalition beyond the simple majority threshold, with a two-thirds majority now within reach as final seat allocations are confirmed.
Sri Lanka’s parliament consists of 196 members elected directly from 22 constituencies through proportional representation, with an additional 29 seats allocated based on each party’s share of the nationwide vote.
“This marks a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka,” Dissanayake declared after casting his vote. “The political change that began in September must continue, and we are confident the people will support us to form a strong parliament.”
While celebrations remained subdued, some NPP supporters lit fireworks on the outskirts of Colombo.
Approximately 17 million voters were eligible to participate in the election, which featured a record 690 political parties and independent groups contesting across 22 electoral districts.
The opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya party, led by Sajith Premadasa, emerged as the NPP’s main challenger, winning 28 seats with about 18% of the vote. Meanwhile, the New Democratic Front, aligned with former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, managed just three seats.
The victory gives Dissanayake and the NPP the legislative strength to pursue transformative policies aimed at tackling Sri Lanka’s economic and social challenges, signaling a shift in the country’s political landscape.
