Sri Lanka's Historic Election Heads to Second Round of Counting

Sri Lanka's presidential election has advanced to a second round for the first time in history as no candidate achieved over 50% of the vote. Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the NPP leads with 39.52%, followed by Sajith Premadasa with 34.28%. The second-round count will incorporate second and third-choice votes.

In an unprecedented development, Sri Lanka's presidential election has moved to a second round of counting. This marks a first in the country's electoral history, as no candidate secured the necessary 50% vote to be declared the outright winner.

Initial results show Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the National People's Power (NPP) leading with 39.52% of the vote. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya follows closely behind with 34.28%. Both R M A L Rathnayake, the Election Commission Chairman, and the voters now turn their focus to a second count that will include second and third-preference votes.

The second-round counting is necessary due to the nation's voting system, where voters rank up to three candidates by preference. Should no candidate secure an absolute majority initially, the vote counting proceeds to consider these additional preferences. This reveals a significant shift in Sri Lankan politics, as elections have historically concluded with clear winners based solely on first-preference votes.

(With inputs from agencies.)