By: Vibhuti Pathak
The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has announced that the presidential election will be held from September 17 to October 16. The commission, chaired by R M A L Ratnayake, will call for nominations within this period, as stipulated by the country’s constitution.
Ranil Wickremesinghe, who assumed office as Prime Minister in May 2022 amidst anti-government protests, later took over the presidency from Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Talks are now underway for Wickremesinghe to contest the upcoming election under a new symbol, aiming to prevent conflicts.
The election comes at a challenging time for Sri Lanka, with the country facing a severe economic crisis. Factors such as dwindling foreign reserves, high inflation, and increasing debt have led to widespread unrest. The COVID-19 pandemic has further compounded these issues, disrupting supply chains and economic activities.
To address these challenges, the government has implemented austerity measures and sought assistance from international financial institutions. Despite these efforts, public discontent remains high, making the upcoming election crucial for Sri Lanka’s future direction.
