In a stunning political shift, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s National People’s Power (NPP) coalition secured a landslide victory in the snap parliamentary elections, winning 159 out of 225 seats. The victory marks the first time a party has achieved a two-thirds majority under the proportional representation system implemented in 1989, signaling a decisive break from decades of political dominance by traditional family-led parties.
A win for unity and reform
The NPP, which campaigned on a platform of clean governance, social justice and economic recovery secured votes from across Sri Lanka’s diverse ethnic and religious communities. For the first time in the nation’s history, the Tamil-majority North and Muslim-majority East voted in alignment with the Sinhalese-dominated South, reflecting a rare moment of national unity.
“This is not just a victory for our coalition but for the people of Sri Lanka who chose hope over division,” President Dissanayake said in a brief statement on social media.
Analysts have described the outcome as a resounding mandate for the President’s promises to address poverty, corruption and governance challenges in the wake of the country’s worst economic crisis.
Collapse of traditional parties
The NPP’s rise comes at the expense of Sri Lanka’s established political players. The opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) won only 40 seats, while the once-dominant Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), led by the Rajapaksa family was nearly obliterated, shrinking to just three seats from 145 in the previous Parliament. The election also saw Minister Vijitha Herath set a new record with 716,715 votes in Gampaha, followed by Premier Dr. Harini Amarasuriya with the highest preferential vote counts in Sri Lankan history.
Challenges ahead
Despite the overwhelming victory, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The coalition faces scrutiny over its lack of experienced policymakers, raising questions about its ability to govern effectively. Moreover, Dissanayake’s pledge to renegotiate the terms of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout introduces uncertainty about the nation’s economic direction.
While the NPP’s dominance ensures legislative stability, the weakened Opposition has sparked concerns about the long-term health of Sri Lanka’s democracy. Political observers warn that the erosion of a robust opposition could undermine checks and balances critical for democratic governance.
A new beginning
The election results come just seven weeks after Dissanayake’s election as President, when he received 42 percent of the vote. The rapid consolidation of support underscores the public’s discontent with the traditional political order and their willingness to embrace a new political paradigm.
The NPP’s victory also represents a significant moment of hope for reconciliation in a country long divided by ethnic tensions. The coalition’s strong showing in the Tamil and Muslim regions reflects a shift in trust towards a national agenda focused on equity and reform.
With a super-majority in Parliament, the NPP is poised to push forward its ambitious plans for constitutional amendments, economic reform, and anti-corruption measures. As Sri Lanka grapples with its pressing challenges, the next chapter under President Dissanayake’s leadership could prove pivotal for the country’s future.
The world is watching
The global community will closely observe how the NPP navigates its newfound power. With the weight of public expectation and a resounding mandate, the coalition must now deliver on its promises to chart a new course for Sri Lanka.
For a country emerging from crisis, the stakes have never been higher.
