Wickremesinghe Gains Parliamentary Support for Reelection Bid

Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe gained support from 92 lawmakers in parliament for his reelection bid. Despite not securing official backing from the biggest political party, he is seen as a market-friendly candidate aiming to navigate the country's financial crisis. The vote is set for September 21.

Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe received significant backing from 92 lawmakers in parliament on Tuesday, his media office announced, bolstering his reelection bid set for September.

A day after not securing official support from Sri Lanka's largest political party, a notable number of lawmakers from the 225-member parliament rallied behind Wickremesinghe. State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe criticized the party's splinter decision, saying those involved would need to answer for its consequences.

Wickremesinghe expressed gratitude to the supportive parliamentarians, emphasizing the need to look beyond party politics for national unity.

With nearly 17 million of Sri Lanka's 22 million population eligible to vote on September 21, the election is critical for future reforms as the country deals with its worst financial crisis in decades. Despite holding just one parliamentary seat, Wickremesinghe is a leading candidate known for his market- and reform-friendly approach, essential during these financially tumultuous times.

He plans to secure more support from minority parties to enhance his election prospects. Over the past two years, Wickremesinghe has guided a fragile economic recovery, with an IMF bailout aiding in stabilizing the economy. Economic growth is projected at 3% this year, a rebound from a 2.3% contraction in 2023.

(With inputs from agencies.)