President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, widely known as AKD, has recorded a remarkable public approval rating of 75.5% according to a newly released poll conducted by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA). The survey reflects a strong wave of public confidence in Sri Lanka's head of state, underscoring the growing trust citizens have placed in his leadership since assuming the presidency. The findings have sparked widespread discussion across political circles, civil society, and the general public, painting a telling picture of where Sri Lanka stands in terms of democratic sentiment and governance expectations.
Key Findings of the CPA Poll
The Centre for Policy Alternatives, one of Sri Lanka's most respected independent research and policy organizations, conducted the nationwide survey to gauge public opinion on presidential performance and key constitutional matters. The headline figure — a 75.5% satisfaction rate — places President Dissanayake among the most popularly supported leaders in recent Sri Lankan political history. The poll sampled a broad cross-section of Sri Lankans from multiple provinces, age groups, and socioeconomic backgrounds, lending significant credibility to its conclusions.
Beyond the overall satisfaction rating, the poll revealed another striking finding: nearly two-thirds of respondents expressed support for abolishing the Executive Presidency altogether. This sentiment reflects a long-standing debate in Sri Lankan politics about the concentration of power within the executive branch and the need for more balanced, accountable governance structures. The fact that such a large proportion of the population supports this constitutional reform signals a potentially transformative moment in the country's political landscape.
What Is Driving AKD's High Approval Ratings?
Several factors appear to be contributing to President Dissanayake's impressive approval numbers. Since taking office, AKD has positioned himself as a reformist leader committed to tackling corruption, improving economic governance, and restoring public trust in state institutions — areas where previous administrations faced intense scrutiny and criticism. His political base, rooted in the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and the broader National People's Power (NPP) coalition, has long championed grassroots-level accountability and transparency.
Citizens appear to be responding positively to what many describe as a more accessible and people-centered style of governance. Unlike some of his predecessors, Dissanayake has maintained a relatively modest public profile while focusing on policy delivery and institutional reform. Anti-corruption drives, efforts to streamline public services, and a commitment to economic stabilization following Sri Lanka's devastating 2022 financial crisis have all contributed to a sense of cautious optimism among the population.
Additionally, AKD's administration has worked to maintain constructive engagement with international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as Sri Lanka continues its economic recovery program. This balanced approach — combining social welfare priorities with fiscal responsibility — has helped broaden his appeal beyond his traditional voter base.
Public Support for Abolishing the Executive Presidency
The CPA poll's finding that nearly two-thirds of Sri Lankans support abolishing the Executive Presidency is particularly significant in the current political context. The Executive Presidency, introduced under the 1978 Constitution, has long been a contentious feature of Sri Lanka's governance system. Critics argue that it concentrates too much power in a single individual, weakens parliamentary oversight, and creates conditions ripe for authoritarian tendencies.
President Dissanayake himself has previously expressed views aligned with constitutional reform, making this polling data a potential political mandate for his administration to pursue structural changes. If the government chooses to act on this public sentiment, it could set the stage for one of the most significant constitutional overhauls in Sri Lanka's post-independence history. However, achieving such reform would require broad parliamentary consensus and careful navigation of competing political interests.
Implications for Sri Lankan Politics
The CPA poll results carry significant implications for the broader political environment in Sri Lanka. Opposition parties will need to carefully assess how to respond to a president who commands such high public confidence. For the NPP-led government, these numbers provide a strong mandate to push forward with its reform agenda, while also raising the stakes for delivery on key promises.
Civil society organizations and constitutional experts are likely to use these findings to amplify calls for democratic reform, particularly around electoral systems, judicial independence, and the distribution of executive power. The poll essentially provides data-backed momentum for conversations that have long remained theoretical in Sri Lankan political discourse.
Conclusion
The CPA poll confirming President AKD's 75.5% public satisfaction rating is a landmark data point in Sri Lanka's evolving political story. It reflects not only personal approval for Dissanayake but also a broader public appetite for honest, reform-driven governance. Combined with strong support for abolishing the Executive Presidency, these findings suggest that Sri Lankans are ready for meaningful change — and are watching closely to see whether their elected leadership will deliver on that promise. As the administration moves forward, maintaining this level of public trust will require consistent action, transparency, and a genuine commitment to the democratic values that propelled AKD to power.