The party of Sri Lanka’s new Marxist-leaning President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has taken a large lead in early results from the parliamentary elections, in an apparent solid mandate for his program for economic revival.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's promise to hold corrupt officials accountable has fueled his public support.

This win hands him a stronger legislative grip, empowering him to tackle poverty and corruption head-on as Sri Lanka works to rebound from its economic crisis .