Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s meteoric rise to the presidency in Sri Lanka has been followed by a sobering realisation: the promises made during a campaign in the heat of a national crisis are far easier to make than to keep. Now several months into his tenure, Mr Dissanayake is facing the difficult task of balancing the immediate needs of his people with the longterm structural reforms necessary to guide the country out of its economic collapse. His administration, which swept to power with overwhelming support, is already under intense pressure to deliver on the lofty expectations of voters.

However, economic recovery is proving to be a far more complicated challenge than anyone anticipated. Before Mr Dissanayake assumed office, Sri Lanka was reeling from its worst economic crisis in modern history. Public anger over soaring costs and shortages of essential goods had led to widespread protests, culminating in the ousting of his predecessor, Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Voters were desperate for a leader who would break the old political cycle of corruption and mismanagement. Mr Dissanayake’s promises to re-negotiate Sri Lanka’s bailout deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were central to his campaign. The previous government’s austerity measures, including tax hikes and cuts to energy subsidies, had angered the public.

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However, upon assuming office, Mr Dissanayake found that the nation’s fragile economy could not afford any more shocks. In a swift reversal, he abandoned his campaign promise to alter the IMF terms, recognising that maintaining economic stability was paramount. This was a sobering reminder that governance in times of economic crisis often involves painful compromises. One of the critical tests of Mr Dissanayake’s leadership is how he manages Sri Lanka’s international relations, particularly with neighbouring India. His recent visit to New Delhi signaled a pragmatic shift in foreign policy. With China’s increasing influence in Sri Lanka, especially through strategic infrastructure projects, India has grown weary of its neighbour’s tilt towards Beijing.

Mr Dissanayake’s assurance to India that Sri Lanka would not allow its territory to be used against Indian interests was a vital diplomatic move. India, in return, has promised to supply liquefied natural gas to Sri Lanka and support long-term energy cooperation ~ a crucial lifeline for an island heavily dependent on energy imports. Despite these efforts, the challenges at home remain immense. The IMF deal, while crucial for securing international financial assistance, has not alleviated the daily struggles of the people. Mr Dissanayake must find a way to balance the urgent need for economic reforms with the political necessity of providing tangible relief to his citizens.

As Sri Lanka’s economy inches towards recovery, the path Mr Dissanayake chooses will determine whether his administration can navigate the complex web of domestic demands and international pressures. His visit to India has demonstrated his awareness of the geopolitical stakes at play, but his success in implementing meaningful reforms at home will be the true test of his leadership in the months ahead.