Early Life and Background

Anura Kumara Dissanayake was born on November 24, 1968, in Sri Lanka’s Kurunegala District. He grew up in a modest rural environment, where he personally witnessed the impacts of social inequality and economic injustice. These early life experiences strongly shaped his political views. He pursued higher education at the University of Kelaniya, where he actively engaged in student activism. He rose to prominence through his leadership of the Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF), a left-leaning student organization, marking the beginning of his lifelong dedication to progressive politics.

Entry into Politics and Rise Through the Ranks

Dissanayake began his political career through the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a Marxist-Leninist party known for its grassroots presence and revolutionary past. In 2000, he successfully contested the parliamentary elections and entered Parliament as the representative for the Kurunegala District. In Parliament, he quickly earned recognition as a sharp and principled critic of government corruption, social injustice, and neoliberal economic policies.

In 2004, when the JVP briefly joined the ruling coalition under President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Dissanayake took on the role of Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation. Though the JVP withdrew from the government shortly after due to policy disagreements, Dissanayake gained valuable experience in governance and public administration during this time.

Leadership of the JVP and Formation of the NPP

In 2014, after internal shifts within the JVP, Dissanayake succeeded Somawansa Amarasinghe as the party’s leader. Under his leadership, the JVP pursued significant reforms to modernize its image and strategy. Realizing the limitations of a single-party approach, he spearheaded the formation of the National People’s Power (NPP)—a broad progressive alliance that brought together leftist parties, civil society actors, professionals, and academics.

In the 2019 presidential election, Dissanayake ran as the NPP’s candidate. He built his campaign around themes of clean governance, economic justice, and democratic transformation. Although he did not win, he resonated with many voters disillusioned by the corruption and nepotism of traditional political parties.

Role in the 2022 Crisis and Political Resurgence

During Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic collapse and the nationwide protests known as the “Aragalaya”, Dissanayake emerged as a leading opposition figure. He strongly condemned political mismanagement, nepotism, and corruption. His vocal stance and consistent message attracted widespread support, especially among youth and urban voters. Even without holding government office, he significantly expanded his influence and positioned himself as a central figure in the national reform movement.

Vision and Legacy

Many Sri Lankans regard Anura Kumara Dissanayake as a leading voice for progressive change. He has built a reputation for honesty, clarity of vision, and effective communication. Through the NPP, he continues to promote a new political culture grounded in transparency, justice, and people-centered governance. He challenges entrenched political elites and aims to empower citizens through participatory democracy.

Conclusion

As of 2025, Dissanayake remains a prominent opposition leader and a serious contender for the presidency. His political career reflects a deep commitment to structural reform, and many see him as a potential catalyst for reshaping Sri Lanka’s political future.