News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/15th August 2024
Sri Lanka’s Election Commission has officially cleared President Ranil Wickremesinghe to run in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for September 21. Wickremesinghe is one of 39 candidates approved to participate in this pivotal election, which is crucial for determining the future of reforms in a nation grappling with its worst financial crisis in decades.
Here’s a look at the key candidates competing in the election:
Ranil Wickremesinghe, 75
A seasoned politician, Ranil Wickremesinghe has held the position of Prime Minister of Sri Lanka a record six times. As the leader of the United National Party (UNP), he assumed office in July 2022 following the resignation of his predecessor, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled the country amid widespread protests driven by the severe financial crisis. Despite the UNP’s current limited presence in Parliament, holding only one seat, Wickremesinghe remains a formidable contender due to the backing of over 90 lawmakers, although his bid has not received formal support from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), the party with the largest representation in Parliament.
Sajith Premadasa, 57
Sajith Premadasa, the leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the son of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, is a prominent opposition figure. His party, which diverged from Wickremesinghe’s UNP in 2019, advocates for modifications to the $2.9 billion bailout program negotiated with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Premadasa proposes a blend of interventionist and free-market economic policies, aiming to adjust fiscal targets and alleviate the cost of living.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake, 55
Anura Kumara Dissanayake is contesting the election under the National People’s Power (NPP) coalition, which includes his Marxist-leaning People’s Liberation Front. Despite his party’s modest representation in Parliament with only three seats, Dissanayake’s platform of anti-corruption and improved governance has resonated with voters. His campaign emphasizes state intervention and closed market policies, aiming for significant reforms in governance and economic management.
Namal Rajapaksa, 38
A notable entry in the presidential race is Namal Rajapaksa, a member of the influential Rajapaksa family. His father Mahinda Rajapaksa and uncle Gotabaya Rajapaksa both served as presidents. Namal Rajapaksa is running as the candidate for the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), founded by another uncle, Basil Rajapaksa. He faces the challenge of maintaining party unity and countering Wickremesinghe’s strong position in the election.
Nuwan Bopage, 40
Nuwan Bopage, representing the Peoples’ Struggle Alliance, is capitalizing on the remnants of the public uprising that led to the ousting of Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Bopage’s campaign is characterized by his staunch anti-corruption stance, advocacy for pro-poor policies, and opposition to Sri Lanka’s alignment with the IMF program.
As Sri Lanka approaches its crucial presidential election, the diverse range of candidates reflects the complexity of the nation’s political landscape, with each offering different visions for addressing the country’s deep-seated economic challenges and governance issues.
