Sri Lanka Holds Crucial Presidential Election Amid Economic Recovery

Voters decide among 38 candidates, with key contenders focused on economic stability and political reform.

Sri Lanka's presidential election features 38 candidates, including incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, and Marxist-leaning Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The election follows a severe economic crisis in 2022 that led to the ousting of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and widespread public disillusionment with traditional political figures.
Economic recovery is a central issue, with inflation now under control and GDP growth forecasted for the first time in three years.
Namal Rajapaksa, son of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, is also running, attempting to distance himself from his family's controversial legacy.
Voter turnout may be lower due to widespread distrust in the political class and dissatisfaction with the candidates.