Anura Kumara Dissanayake Takes Early Lead in Sri Lankan Presidential Race

Sri Lanka's Marxist-leaning leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake leads the presidential race with 54% of the votes counted, ahead of opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe. About 75% of the population participated in the election, which is crucial for the nation's economic recovery.

Sri Lanka’s Marxist-leaning leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake has taken a commanding early lead in the presidential race, with 54% of half a million votes counted so far, as per Sri Lanka's Election Commission data.

Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa is in second place with 20% of the votes, while incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe trails closely behind in third place.

Approximately 75% of the 17 million eligible voters turned out for Saturday's election. The election is seen as pivotal for Sri Lanka’s efforts to revive its fragile economy.