Sri Lanka's Presidential Election: A Test for Economic Recovery

Polling concluded in Sri Lanka's presidential elections without any reported incidents. The election will test incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe's economic recovery efforts after the 2022 financial crisis. With 17 million eligible voters and 38 candidates, the tight race saw significant international observation and local participation.

Polling concluded on Saturday in Sri Lanka's crucial presidential election without any reported incidents, marking the island nation's first such election since its severe economic meltdown in 2022.

Election officials confirmed that everyone in line by 4 p.m. was allowed to vote. By 2 p.m., over 60 percent of the 17 million eligible voters had cast their ballots, though polling in the northern district of Jaffna was notably slow due to Tamil minority groups discouraging participation.

The election's outcome will be crucial for incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who aims to leverage his credited efforts in economic recovery. The election featured 38 candidates and saw nearly 8,000 observers, both local and international, ensuring a free and fair process. Counting of postal votes commenced immediately after polling stations closed at 4 p.m.

(With inputs from agencies.)