Victory for democracy: Lessons Bangladesh could learn from Sri Lanka’s election

On September 21, Sri Lanka marked a transformative moment in its political history by electing Anura Kumara Dissanayake as president. Dissanayake, the leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, secured 55% of the vote, signaling not just a victory for his Marxist-leaning party but also a crucial win for democracy in a country long troubled by authoritarian leaders, corruption and economic crises.

As Bangladesh confronts its own political challenges, Sri Lanka’s recent electoral shift offers lessons that could guide it toward a more inclusive and robust democracy.

Sri Lanka’s 2024 election was a clear rejection of entrenched political elites. Dissanayake’s victory marks the first time in decades that a leader without connections to the country’s political dynasties has risen to power. His opponents, Ranil Wickremesinghe and Sajith Premadasa, both came from families with deep roots in Sri Lanka’s political system. But the voters – especially the youth – opted for a candidate who promised real change, accountability and an end to the corruption that had plagued previous administrations.

The parallels to Bangladesh are striking. For years, its political landscape has been dominated by the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, fostering an environment of patronage, nepotism, and stagnation. Much like Sri Lankans, Bangladeshis are growing weary...

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