As Sri Lanka gears up for its presidential election on September 21, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has become the first candidate to officially register. With nearly 17 million eligible voters, Wickremesinghe, who currently holds only one parliamentary seat, must secure support from key parties such as the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) to enhance his re-election chances.
Who’s Running in Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election? Here’s a look at the main contenders for the upcoming election:
1. Ranil Wickremesinghe At 74, Wickremesinghe, who has served as Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister six times, has held the presidency since July 2022. His appointment followed a financial crisis that led to his predecessor, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, fleeing the country. Wickremesinghe’s immediate task is to rally support from influential parties and to push his policy agenda, which he has been developing since taking office.
2. Sajith Premadasa, 57 Leader of the opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Premadasa is known for his centrist stance and plans to adjust the IMF’s $2.9 billion bailout program. He advocates a blend of economic policies aimed at reducing the cost of living and fostering economic growth. Premadasa, the son of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, split from Wickremesinghe’s UNP in 2019.
3. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, 55 Dissanayake, leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), is recognized for his tough stance on corruption and governance. Despite having only three seats in the 225-member parliament, his Marxist-leaning policies and calls for stronger state intervention resonate with many voters.
4. Sarath Fonseka, 73 Former army chief Fonseka, who led the country to victory in the civil war, is now running as a member of Premadasa’s SJB. His campaign focuses on fighting corruption and improving the economy, although he and Premadasa have recently drifted apart.
5. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, 65 A Justice Minister and member of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), Rajapakshe aims to strengthen his party’s position and promises to focus on development if elected.
Candidates have until August 14 to submit their non-refundable deposits to the Election Commission, with nominations due the following day. The race for the presidency is shaping up to be a competitive one, with each candidate presenting distinct plans for Sri Lanka's future.
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