Record Nomination Submissions for Sri Lanka's Crucial Presidential Election

Thirty-nine candidates submitted their nominations for Sri Lanka's upcoming presidential election, slated for Sept. 21. The election is pivotal for the nation's recovery from a severe financial crisis. Key candidates include incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa.

Thirty-nine candidates for Sri Lanka's presidential election submitted nominations on Thursday as the Indian Ocean island nation gears up for a Sept. 21 vote crucial to its financial recovery.

This election marks Sri Lanka's first major poll since exhausting its foreign reserves, leading to a severe economic downturn and a 2022 debt default. The Election Commission, chaired by R. M. Ratnayake, anticipates widespread support for a peaceful and transparent election.

Among the 40 initially registered candidates, two Buddhist monks are participating, with 39 candidates formally submitting their nomination papers. Approximately 17 million Sri Lankans are eligible to vote.

Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, and Marxist parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake are considered frontrunners. Wickremesinghe, 75, elected by parliament in July 2022, has led the nation through its worst financial crisis in decades, which sparked protests and forced his predecessor Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign.

Namal Rajapaksa, 38, the eldest son of former two-time president Mahinda Rajapaksa, is a surprising entrant representing the SLPP party. The winner faces the challenge of ensuring economic recovery, implementing a $2.9-billion IMF programme, finalizing a $12.5-billion debt restructuring, and driving sustainable growth.

(With inputs from agencies.)