When Anura Kumara Dissanayake was sworn in as Sri Lanka’s ninth Executive President, the news quickly spread across the globe. However, there was something strikingly consistent in many of the headlines: the frequent use of the word ‘Marxist’. Phrases such as ‘Marxist-leaning’ and ‘Marxist leader’ were attached to his name, sparking intrigue and debate. 

This flood of labels prompted ‘Market Mine’ to dig deeper and ask the question – is Dissanayake really the Marxist leader that these headlines describe or is there more to the story than meets the eye? 

‘Misleading to term him a Marxist’

Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Dr. W.A. Wijewardena stated that it was incorrect to label Dissanayake as a Marxist president. However, he acknowledged that there was a historical context to this perception, as Dissanayake was the Leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a party that still advocated for Marxist-inspired politics and economic ideologies. 

“This is also reflected in the symbols associated with the party, such as the hammer and sickle displayed on the flag outside its Headquarters, a common emblem of communist countries. However, Dissanayake’s current economic policies are shaped by the National People’s Power (NPP), a broader alliance. The NPP does not advocate for Marxist policies and its manifesto does not align with Marxism.”

Dr. Wijewardena explained that while the manifesto emphasised the expansion of the State sector, this approach was more accurately described as dirigisme – a system where the state played a significant role in economic planning and activity. 

Therefore, he added that it was misleading to call Dissanayake a Marxist politician. Dissanayake’s policies are, in fact, aligned with an economic framework that contrasts with neoliberalism, the dominant policy approach of previous governments, according to Dr. Wijewardena.

‘Not convinced NPP is Marxist’

Frontier Research Head of Macroeconomic Advisory Chayu Damsinghe stated that he believed that what these headlines were referring to stem from the fact that the NPP, as a new party, has never actually held power before.

“During the election, various parties made different promises, but the real question is, what will they actually do in Parliament? What will they do once they are in power? That’s a different matter altogether. Since the NPP has not governed on its own, it remains somewhat of an unknown entity to those unfamiliar with Sri Lankan politics and what the party stands for.”

Damsinghe noted that in this context, international media appeared to be drawing on the legacy of the JVP, which was indeed a Marxist party. He added that the formal communications and documentation from the JVP period still referenced Marxist ideology, which was an undeniable fact. 

Further, he noted that the JVP’s Marxist origins, combined with limited comprehension of the current local political landscape, appeared to be causing the media to fixate on the party’s past and its Marxist roots.

“However, the NPP is evolving and is now an alliance that includes the JVP and several other groups. I’m not entirely convinced that the NPP is strictly Marxist.”

‘A mischaracterisation to depict NPP as Marxist’

“During a recent webinar, I clarified that while the JVP is a key component of the NPP – a coalition of multiple parties – its office still features images of Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin. However, after reviewing the NPP manifesto, it’s evident that it bears little resemblance to Marx’s ‘The Communist Manifesto,’” stated Advocata Institute Chairman Murtaza Jafferjee. 

According to Murtaza, the depiction of the NPP as a Marxist party is a mischaracterisation. While the party’s origins may have been rooted in Marxist ideology, its current stance is more Left of Centre, reflecting a shift away from its earlier ideological framework.

‘Does not reflect the reality’ 

University of Colombo (UOC) Department of Economics Professor Priyanga Dunusinghe stated that referring to Dissanayake as a Marxist conveyed a negative perception, not only of the President but also of the people of Sri Lanka. It implies that the country must transition toward a Marxist socio-economic system. However, Prof. Dunusinghe added that this perspective did not reflect the reality experienced by those living in Sri Lanka. 

“If you examine the election manifestos, it’s clear that they do not advocate Marxist policies for economic development. Instead, the focus is largely on eradicating corruption and eliminating wasteful expenditure, along with implementing structural reforms to improve the political, economic, and social systems. These reforms aim to create a more efficient and conducive environment for the people while continuing with an open economic model.” 

He added that the party was open to foreign investment, aid from organisations, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and providing incentives to the business community. 

“You can see many elements of their approach that align with these principles and their future direction. In this context, the traditional Marxist label is no longer relevant, but it sends a certain message.” 

Prof. Dunusinghe added that the present portrayal was a tendency often observed in foreign media when leaders from diverse political backgrounds assumed power in countries across Africa, Latin America, or Asia. 

He noted that such portrayals sent signals to outsiders who may be unfamiliar with the complexities of the Sri Lankan situation, potentially influencing investors, creditors, and international organisations. Over time, this pressure could even lead the President to adopt policies that might be perceived as Marxist, he further noted. 

“We should reject such labels. Instead, the media in Sri Lanka must proceed without promoting terms such as ‘Marxist President’ or ‘Marxism’. What we should promote is the idea of an elected President committed to managing the economy while welcoming foreign investment and undertaking reforms to develop the country into a more advanced State.”

‘No indication of leaning towards Marxism’

Examining the new President’s policies, UOC Department of Economics Professor Sirimal Abeyratne does not believe they indicate a leaning toward Marxism.

“Dissanayake has clearly stated his commitment to enhancing debt sustainability and macroeconomic stability while focusing on key public sector initiatives. This suggests a desire to maintain the current programmes rather than shift toward a Marxist approach,” he stressed. 

What is Marxism? 

Marxism is a way of thinking about economics, society, and politics based on the ideas of Karl Marx, a 19th century philosopher and economist. 

Here are the main points in simple terms:

1. Class struggle: Marxism believes that society is divided into classes, mainly the rich (bourgeoisie) who own businesses and the poor (proletariat) who work for them. Marxists think these classes are in conflict, as the rich try to make more money while the poor seek better wages and working conditions.
2. Critique of capitalism: Marxism criticises capitalism, which is an economic system where businesses are privately owned and profits are made by selling goods. Marxists argue that capitalism leads to inequality, where a few people become very wealthy while many struggle to make ends meet.
3. Collective ownership: Marxism advocates for the idea that the means of production – like factories and land – should be owned collectively, rather than by individuals. This means that instead of profits going to a small group of owners, they would benefit everyone in society.
4. Goal of a classless society: The ultimate aim of Marxism is to create a society where there are no class divisions and everyone has equal access to resources and opportunities, leading to a more fair and just world.

What are some popular Marxist policies? 

1. Collective ownership: Businesses and resources should be owned by the community or the state, ensuring equal benefits for everyone.
2. Redistribution of wealth: Wealth should be redistributed from the rich to the poor through higher taxes on the wealthy, funding social programmes like education and healthcare.
3. Labour rights: Policies should protect workers’ rights, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to unionise.
4. Universal healthcare: Healthcare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay, as a basic right.
5. Education for all: Education should be free or low-cost, providing everyone the opportunity to learn and improve their lives.
6. Social welfare programmes: Support for those in need through unemployment benefits, food assistance, and housing support to provide a safety net.
7. Progressive taxation: Individuals who earn more should pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes to reduce income inequality and fund public services.
8. Public services: Essential services like transportation, utilities, and housing should be provided by the state to ensure access for all individuals, regardless of financial situation.

Does the NPP have Marxist origins? 

Sri Lanka’s National People’s Power (NPP) may have Marxist origins as it emerged from the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a political party that has historically embraced Marxist ideology. Founded in the 1960s, the JVP initially aimed to establish a socialist state through revolutionary means but has since evolved in its approach. 

The NPP was formed in 2019 as a coalition of Leftist and progressive groups, focusing on social justice, equality, and the rights of marginalised communities. While it carries forward some Marxist principles, the NPP also seeks to adapt its policies to contemporary political and economic issues in Sri Lanka.