Sri Lanka's National People's Power Wins Parliamentary Majority

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's National People's Power (NPP) coalition has secured a parliamentary majority, winning at least 123 out of 225 seats in the recent elections. This victory follows Dissanayake's election as president on September 21, which signified a rejection of traditional political parties and a shift in voter sentiment. Notably, the NPP made historic gains in the Tamil-dominated Jaffna district, marking the first victory for a southern party in this region since 1978. Dissanayake aims to amend the controversial austerity measures linked to a $3 billion IMF bailout while maintaining the funding facility. Analysts warn that a two-thirds majority could pose risks to governance, given past experiences with concentrated power. The election results are viewed as a significant turning point in Sri Lanka's political landscape, with potential implications for domestic and international policies.