Sri Lanka to Hold Presidential Election September 21

Sri Lanka is poised for a pivotal presidential election on September 21, 2024, following significant public protests that ousted former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa amid a severe economic crisis. The current president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, faces challenges in gaining popular support as he implements IMF-backed reforms, despite some improvements in inflation and currency reserves. His administration's association with the Rajapaksa dynasty and previous actions against protesters have left many citizens wary. Voters are also considering candidates such as Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with Premadasa being favored by India due to his pro-India stance. The Election Commission is coordinating with international observers to ensure a fair election process, amidst concerns about the transparency of the electoral landscape. With a record 38 candidates on the ballot, the election is expected to be competitive and unpredictable.