The past few years have not been easy on Sri Lanka, but the Southeast Asian island — and its people — are on the upswing.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s strong showing reveals voter weariness with leadership that has led to a national economic crisis and crushing hardship for many people.

Sri Lanka voted for its next president, with economic issues and IMF austerity plans at the forefront. Incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe faces strong challengers Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake,