Polling Begins for Crucial Sri Lanka Election

Polling has begun in Sri Lanka for a crucial presidential election, the first major electoral exercise since the country’s severe economic meltdown in 2022. Over 17 million voters are eligible to participate, with results expected by Sunday. Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, running as an Independent, faces significant competition from Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the National People’s Power (NPP) and Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). Economic recovery is the central theme, with all major candidates committing to IMF bailout reforms. Dissanayake’s anti-corruption stance has garnered him considerable support, especially among younger voters. India's geopolitical interests are also a factor, with a preference for Ranil or Sajith over Anura, who is viewed as being closer to China.