Sri Lanka's Presidential Race Heats Up as Country Faces Economic Crisis

Sri Lanka's election panel approved President Ranil Wickremesinghe to contest in the upcoming presidential poll amid the country's severe financial crisis. Wickremesinghe, among 39 candidates, aims to stabilize the economy. Notable contenders include Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The election will be crucial for economic recovery.

Sri Lanka's election panel granted approval on Thursday for President Ranil Wickremesinghe to run in the presidential poll scheduled for September 21. This election arrives as the nation is entangled in its worst financial crisis in decades.

Among 39 nominees, Wickremesinghe emphasized the need to stabilize the economy, reflecting his determination by saying, 'Let's go ahead and finish this job.' Two Buddhist monks also filed nominations, adding to the diverse lineup of candidates, including opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and Marxist parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Following his parliamentary election in July 2022, Wickremesinghe managed the crisis that led to massive protests and the resignation of then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The election is not just a vote for a leader but a crucial step toward economic recovery, involving significant tasks such as implementing a $2.9-billion IMF program and a $12.5-billion debt restructuring plan.

(With inputs from agencies.)