By: Vibhuti Pathak
The election commission announced the tentative dates for the presidential elections. The elections will be held from September 17 to October 16.
In a notice signed by its chairman R M A L Ratnayake, the Election Commission said it will call for nominations to hold the Presidential election within the specified timeframe in terms of the provisions of the Constitution.
In May 2022, Ranil Wickremesinghe assumed the role of Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, succeeding Mahinda Rajapaksa amidst widespread anti-government protests spurred by an unprecedented economic crisis gripping the island nation. Just two months later, Wickremesinghe further ascended to the presidency, replacing Gotabaya Rajapaksa to fulfil the remaining term until the close of 2024.
Consequently, discussions are underway regarding Wickremesinghe contesting under a new symbol to avoid such conflicts.
Meanwhile, the nation grapples with a deepening economic crisis, a pressing concern that has sparked widespread unrest and fueled demands for political change. Sri Lanka’s economy has been beleaguered by a combination of factors, including dwindling foreign reserves, soaring inflation, and mounting debt levels.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges, disrupting supply chains, crippling industries, and stifling economic activity. In response, the government has implemented austerity measures and sought assistance from international financial institutions to stabilise the economy. However, discontent among the populace continues to simmer, even the policies framed by the government shall help the country recover the debt in the future, hence the election holds a very crucial role in the country.
