Sri Lanka, a 22-million-strong nation, was plunged into an economic crisis in 2022 by a severe foreign currency shortage that led to a 7.3 % decline in its economy in 2022 and a 2.3 % decline in GDP in 2013.
In the coming weeks, the leader will have to release an interim budget and work out how to lower taxes and improve security, which were his main election promises, without compromising the IMF program.
Additionally, Dissanayake will need to finish the US$ 1 billion debt restructuring with lenders in order to stabilize the economy.
Dissanayake, a political outsider, easily won the island’s national vote in September. A state dominated by home parties for decades.
But his Marxist-leaning National People’s Power ( NPP ) coalition had just three seats in parliament, prompting him to dissolve it and seek a fresh mandate in last Thursday’s snap election.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya, 54, received the second-highest number of favorable votes and holds a University of Edinburgh doctorate in cultural anthropology. Additionally, she will be in charge of the assets for higher learning and education.