Sri Lankans are casting their votes in a significant presidential election on Saturday, the first since mass protests in 2022 led to the ousting of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa amid the country’s worst economic crisis.
This election is viewed as a crucial referendum on the economic reforms implemented to guide Sri Lanka towards recovery.
Many voters are still grappling with the harsh realities of rising inflation, increased taxes, and cuts to subsidies and welfare, leaving them in a precarious financial position. Analysts suggest that economic concerns will dominate voter sentiment in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested race.
Soumya Bhowmick, an associate fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating, “The country’s soaring inflation, skyrocketing cost-of-living, and poverty have left the electorate desperate for solutions to stabilise prices and improve livelihoods.”
Current President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was appointed by parliament shortly after Rajapaksa’s departure, is seeking re-election. The 75-year-old has been tasked with navigating the country through its economic challenges, but his administration has faced criticism. He has been accused of suppressing the remnants of the protest movement and allegedly protecting the Rajapaksa family from legal repercussions, claims he has denied.
The election also sees strong competition from leftist politician Anura Kumara Dissanayake, whose anti-corruption message has resonated with a growing number of voters. Dissanayake’s rise highlights the electorate’s desire for transparency and accountability in governance.
This election features more candidates than any previous poll in Sri Lanka’s history. While over three dozen individuals are vying for the presidency, four candidates have emerged as the primary contenders.
Alongside Wickremesinghe and Dissanayake, the leader of the opposition, Sajith Premadasa, and Namal Rajapaksa, the 38-year-old nephew of the former president, are also prominent figures in the race.
Polling stations will remain open until 16:00 local time (11:30 WAT), with counting commencing shortly after. However, results are not expected to be announced until Sunday morning, leaving the electorate in suspense as they await the outcome of this pivotal election.
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