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.

Mr Dissanayake was elected president in September in a rejection of traditional political parties that have governed the island nation.

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