Anura Kumara Dissanayake  is expected to be sworn in on Monday at Colombos Presidential Secretariat, a symbol of the country’s colonial heritage.

The election was crucial as Sri Lanka seeks to recover from the worst economic crisis in its history and the resulting political upheaval.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s strong showing reveals voter weariness with leadership that has led to a national economic crisis and crushing hardship for many people.