A record number of candidates for Sri Lanka's presidential poll next month has led to the longest-ever ballot paper and the most expensive vote in the country's history, the Election Commission said Tuesday.

Sri Lanka faces costliest election, longest ballot paper

Sri Lanka's Election Commission on Wednesday announced that it will hold presidential polls on November 16, nearly two months before the incumbent's term ends. Commission chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said nominations would be called on October 7 allowing a short campaign of less than six weeks.

Sri Lanka sets November date for Presidential elections

The presidential elections in Sri Lanka would be held between November 15 and December 7, Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya has said, clarifying that according to constitutional provisions the polls must be held one month before the end of the current president's term.

Sri Lankan presidential polls to be held between November 15 and December 7