International

Sri Lanka’s Candidates Wrap Up Campaigns Before Vote

Published

3 months ago

Sep 18, 2024.

Sri Lanka’s presidential hopefuls have wrapped up their campaigns on Wednesday, just two days before the crucial election.

With the country still reeling from a severe financial crisis, all candidates focused on promises to revive the struggling economy.

More than 17 million voters will head to the polls on Saturday to select a president for a five-year term.

This will be the first election since the island nation’s dollar reserves plunged, triggering its worst economic collapse in decades.

Thanks to a $2.9 billion IMF bailout, Sri Lanka has managed a modest recovery and is projected to grow by 3% this year.

Efforts are underway to finalize a $12.5 billion debt restructuring deal with bondholders.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, one of the main contenders, highlighted his achievements in stabilizing the economy, particularly his ongoing debt restructuring efforts.

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“After that discussion, we will be able to reach a decision and complete the debt restructuring process… I have the ability to complete this process and make the announcement before 21 September (election day),” he said during a speech in Matara, about 157 km from Colombo.

“I have shown the people that when I take up a task I complete it. Now it’s up to you to decide what kind of path we should take from Sunday.”

Leading the race, according to recent polls, is Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a Marxist-leaning parliamentarian.

He urged voters to support his vision of reducing poverty and tackling corruption.

“Hundreds of thousands of people have gathered with us because they hope for a better future. The first step of that journey will begin on 22 September,” he declared to supporters in Galle, a popular tourist destination.