Sri Lanka's Dissanayake to Renegotiate IMF Deal

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), has been elected as the new President of Sri Lanka, vowing to maintain a neutral foreign policy amid geopolitical tensions between China and India. Dissanayake's presidency follows the resignation of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and aims to strengthen democratic values while addressing the country's severe economic crisis. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed its readiness to discuss the $2.9 billion bailout programme with Dissanayake's government, as he seeks to renegotiate some austerity measures without scrapping the deal. Dissanayake's victory marks a significant shift in Sri Lankan politics, moving away from traditional parties and reflecting widespread public discontent with the political elite. Despite economic challenges, he has pledged to reduce taxes and improve living conditions for the poor.