Colombo: Sri Lanka is gearing up for a crucial presidential election on Saturday, September 21. This election is seen as pivotal for the nation's fragile economy, which has been struggling after experiencing its worst economic crisis. President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who currently leads the cash-strapped government, is seeking re-election to continue his ambitious reforms but faces significant challenges from his left-leaning opponents.
Out of Sri Lanka's 22 million residents, approximately 17 million are eligible to vote in this election. It marks the first electoral contest since widespread protests in 2022 forced former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee and resign. Since then, Wickremesinghe has managed a difficult recovery, supported by a $2.9 billion bailout from the IMF and a $25 billion debt restructuring effort.
While 38 candidates are vying for the presidency, Wickremesinghe is particularly focused on four key rivals: opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, Marxist politician Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Rajapaksa family member Namal Rajapaksa, and activist Nuwan Bopage. Here’s a closer look at these five prominent candidates.
1. Ranil Wickremesinghe At 75 years old, Wickremesinghe stepped into the presidency during a time of economic turmoil following a severe dollar shortage that led to rising inflation. Running as an independent candidate, he is not officially backed by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), the ruling party with the most seats in parliament. However, he enjoys support from over 90 lawmakers, positioning him well. Despite his United National Party (UNP) holding only one parliamentary seat, Wickremesinghe has served as Prime Minister six times and is eager to secure re-election.
2. Anura Kumara Dissanayake Dissanayake, a 55-year-old Marxist leader, represents the National People's Power (NPP) coalition. His party advocates for increased state intervention in the economy. Promising strong anti-corruption measures and support for the underprivileged, Dissanayake has gained traction among voters. He aims to completely revamp the political system and improve governance, although his party holds just three seats in parliament.
3. Sajith Premadasa At 57, Premadasa leads the opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party. He is the son of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, who was assassinated in 1993. Initially part of Wickremesinghe's UNP, he broke away due to disagreements. Premadasa advocates for a blend of pro-poor and free-market economic policies and seeks to revise the current IMF bailout plan. His agenda includes constitutional reforms, boosting tourism, and enhancing government accountability.
4. Namal Rajapaksa Namal, 38, is the son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and represents the SLPP party. His late entry into the race surprised many, especially after business tycoon Dhammika Perera withdrew. Despite lacking an official government role, Namal has maintained a high-profile presence and traveled extensively, including visits to India. He has established connections with prominent figures like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
5. Nuwan Bopage Bopage is the candidate for the Peoples' Struggle Alliance, formed by activists during the 2022 protests. As a lawyer, he aims to harness the momentum from the public uprising that led to Rajapaksa's resignation. Bopage champions anti-corruption initiatives, pro-poor policies, and challenges Sri Lanka's alignment with the IMF.
Polling Insights
According to the Sri Lanka Opinion Tracker Survey by the Institute for Health Policy (IHP), Wickremesinghe is currently in third place, with Dissanayake leading the polls and Premadasa in second. Economic issues are a top priority for voters as the election approaches.
With a first-past-the-post voting system, voters can cast three preferential votes for their preferred candidates. The winner will be announced by the Election Commission, likely on Sunday, and will take the presidential oath on the same day, appointing a new cabinet thereafter.
Sri Lanka's Pivotal Presidential Election on Sept 21: Economic Recovery in Focus