Wed Sep 18 15:23:00 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lankan Presidential Candidates Make Final Pitches Ahead of Election
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka’s presidential candidates wrapped up their campaigns on Wednesday, with each vowing to revive the country’s ailing economy ahead of the election scheduled for Saturday, September 21.
Over 17 million Sri Lankans will vote to elect a new president for a five-year term, marking the first election since the island nation plunged into its worst financial crisis in decades.
The country, supported by a $2.9 billion International Monetary Fund bailout, has shown signs of recovery and is expected to post 3% growth this year. It is also in the process of finalizing a $12.5 billion debt restructuring with bondholders.
Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, one of the frontrunners, touted his policy wins and debt restructuring efforts, stating he hopes to finalize negotiations with bondholders by Thursday.
“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),” Wickremesinghe told a large crowd in Matara, a southern town.
Meanwhile, Marxist-leaning parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is leading in recent opinion polls, called for voters to support him in his fight against poverty and 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,” Dissanayake told a gathering in Galle.
Sajith Premadasa, the current opposition leader, pledged to ease the cost of living for Sri Lankans and promote tourism and agriculture exports.
“We will build a country that will give prosperity to everyone and give the millions who are now struggling a decent life,” Premadasa said.
The election results are expected to be announced on Sunday, with the new president sworn in shortly after.
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