Today, November 24, marks the 56th birthday of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka. Born in 1968, President Dissanayake has been a prominent figure in Sri Lankan politics, with a career spanning decades of dedicated service and leadership.
Early Education and University Life
President Dissanayake began his academic journey at Thambuttegama Primary School and continued at Thambuttegama Central College, excelling in the Mathematics stream at the Advanced Level Examination. In 1992, he entered the Faculty of Science at the University of Kelaniya, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1995.
His political activism began during his university years when he joined the Socialist Students’ Union in 1987. Notably, he played a key role in nationwide protests against the Indo-Lanka Accord the same year.
Entry into Active Politics
In 1993, following the re-emergence of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) after a period of state repression, Dissanayake resumed active political work. By 1997, he had become the National Organizer of the Socialist Students’ Union and a member of the JVP Central Committee, advancing to the JVP Politburo in 1998.
His electoral journey began in 1999 when he contested the Central Province Provincial Council elections as the JVP’s Chief Ministerial candidate. In 2000, he entered Parliament through the national list, marking the start of a remarkable parliamentary career.
Parliamentary and Ministerial Roles
In the 2004 parliamentary election, Dissanayake received the highest number of preferential votes in the Kurunegala District, earning him the position of Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Irrigation, and Livestock under the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government.
Over the years, he served in various capacities, including as the JVP’s Parliamentary Group Leader in 2008. He returned to Parliament in 2010 via the National List and represented the Colombo District in 2015.
Leadership and Presidency
President Dissanayake ascended to the leadership of the JVP at its 7th National Convention on February 2, 2014. In 2019, he established the National People’s Power (NPP), a coalition uniting political parties, civil organizations, and activists, including the JVP.
On September 21, 2024, he was elected President of Sri Lanka, a historic achievement reflecting his decades of commitment to the nation.
Today, as President Anura Kumara Dissanayake celebrates his birthday, he stands as a symbol of perseverance, leadership, and transformative vision for Sri Lanka.
