Sri Lankans Cast Votes Amid Economic Sorrow

Sri Lankans went to the polls to elect a president tasked with leading economic recovery in the wake of a severe financial crisis. The main contenders are incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, and Marxist challenger Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The result is expected soon.

Millions of Sri Lankans headed to polling stations on Saturday to elect their next president, who will be responsible for steering the nation through a delicate economic recovery. Following a financial crisis, over 17 million of Sri Lanka's 22 million citizens are eligible to vote in what many are calling a pivotal election.

Polling stations in Colombo, supported by public officials and police, saw citizens lining up early to cast their votes. Organized queues and visible aids like large blow-ups of the ballot paper were put in place to ensure smooth voting procedures. 'For us to have a future, the entire country must have a future first,' said voter Niroshan Perera, reflecting widespread sentiment for change.

This election, anticipated to be a tight contest, is the first since Sri Lanka's economic collapse in 2022. As a result of major protests last year, the previous president fled, leading to a political overhaul. Current candidates include leaders from various political spectrums, all eyes are on the election outcome, expected on Sunday, which will dictate the nation's path forward.

(With inputs from agencies.)