AKD gains 75.5% public satisfaction against Sajith’s 29.4%

Colombo, July 15 (Daily Mirror) - Public satisfaction with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stands at 75.5%, significantly higher than the 29.4% satisfaction rating recorded by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, according to the latest Confidence in Democratic Governance Index released by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) Social Indicator.

The survey found that 64.9% of respondents were dissatisfied with the Opposition Leader’s performance, compared to only 23.3% who expressed dissatisfaction with the President’s performance.

President Dissanayake’s approval was highest among the Malaiyaha Tamil community, with 94.4% expressing satisfaction, followed by the Muslim community at 93.4%. Although the approval rating was lowest among the Sinhala community, a majority of 69.9% of Sinhala respondents were still satisfied with the President’s performance.

The President also received the highest satisfaction rating among young people aged 18–29, at 81.6%, while 76.4% of rural residents expressed satisfaction with his performance. Satisfaction with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa remained comparatively low across all demographic groups.

Meanwhile, the survey found that 51.6% of Sri Lankans were satisfied with the government’s progress in investigating the Easter Sunday attacks and holding those responsible accountable, while 32.4% expressed dissatisfaction.

Satisfaction over the government’s handling of the Easter Sunday investigations was highest among the Muslim community at 73.3%, followed by the Malaiyaha Tamil community at 72.2%. Among Sinhala respondents, satisfaction stood at 46.4%, while 37.2% expressed dissatisfaction.

The survey also found that younger respondents were more positive about the government’s progress on Easter Sunday investigations, with 58.5% of those aged 18–29 expressing satisfaction compared to 48% among those above 30 years. Rural residents recorded higher satisfaction (52.5%) than urban residents (44.3%).

The nationwide survey, conducted among 1,240 respondents across all 25 districts between May 23 and June 18, also found that 62.8% of Sri Lankans were satisfied with the National People’s Power (NPP) government’s capacity to deliver efficient governance.

On the cost of living, public opinion remained divided, with 45.3% expressing satisfaction with the government’s management of the issue, while 44% were dissatisfied.

The poll further showed that 64.1% of Sri Lankans support the abolition of the Executive Presidency, although only 23.6% believe the process should begin immediately.

In addition, 68.6% of respondents said they were satisfied with the government’s progress on relief, recovery and rebuilding following the Ditwah disaster, while 67% considered holding Provincial Council elections important.