Polls closed in Sri Lanka's first election since the economic collapse, and the counting of votes is underway. Millions of voters cast their votes to select a leader who will face the task of bolstering the country's fragile economic recovery following its worst financial crisis in decades.

Sri Lanka Presidential Election: EC confirms second preference vote count

Sri Lankans vote in a presidential election that will chart the country's future in recovery from its worst economic crisis and subsequent political turmoil.

The election, with 38 candidates, effectively presents a three-way showdown between incumbent liberal President Ranil Wickremesinghe, legislator Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa.

There are 17 million eligible voters, and final results are due today.

Results will reflect whether the people of Sri Lanka approve of Wickremesinghe's leadership over the country's fragile recovery, including its debt restructuring under an International Monetary Fund program after it defaulted in 2022.

The government said Thursday that it cleared the last hurdle in debt restructuring by agreeing in principle with private bondholders.

Sri Lanka had $83 billion in local and foreign debt at the time it defaulted. The government says it has restructured more than $17 billion.

But even as important economic figures have improved considerably, Sri Lankans still fight against high taxes and rising living costs.

Both Premadasa and Dissanayake promise to renegotiate the IMF deal to make austerity measures more bearable. Wickremesinghe has warned that any move to alter the basics of the agreement could delay the release of a fourth tranche of nearly $3 billion in assistance pledged by the IMF that's crucial to maintaining stability.

For most Sri Lankans, this is an economy-driven election, hoping that a new government would take the country out of a complete crisis and end long-established corruption in the system.

“I think corruption is one of the main reasons that led the country to the present pathetic condition. So, the next leader should pay attention to eliminate corruption and start building the country,” said Chandrakumar Suriyaarachchi, a driver who voted in Saturday's election. "Our children deserve a better life.”

Political analysts note that a widespread disillusion with the traditional political elite, blamed by many for Sri Lanka's economic instability, could mean that no one candidate is to win more than 50 per cent of the votes as a first preference to clinch the presidency. In that event, the top two candidates will proceed to a second round that takes into consideration the votes made in the second preference.

In the event of no obvious winner of the power, the island nation could succumb to further instability.

Voter Visaka Dissanayake said he hopes Sri Lanka votes for a “strong leader, who will set the path for economic recovery."

“We have now come out of a very difficult situation. So, I hope the economic recovery will continue,” Dissanayake said.

Sri Lanka's economic crisis has largely originated from excessive borrowing on projects that did not generate revenues. The onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic and government insistence on using scarce foreign reserves to prop up the currency, the rupee, have contributed to the free fall of the economy.

The economic meltdown resulted in severe shortages, especially for medicine, food, cooking gas, and fuel, with individuals waiting for days to buy them. This situation resulted in riots, as protesters captured key buildings within the country, including the house of the president and his office, as well as the office of the prime minister, compelling then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to leave the country and resign.

Wickremesinghe was elected by a parliamentary vote in July 2022 to complete the five years of Rajapaksa's term. Now, Wickremesinghe is seeking another term to solidify the achievements he has been able to make up so far.

But many also accuse him of shielding members of the Rajapaksa family, whom they blame for the economic crisis.

Wickremesinghe was elected largely on the votes of Rajapaksa loyalists as the sole member of his party in Parliament and also served in his Cabinet and voted for his reforms.

Sri Lankans vote in a presidential election that will chart the country's future in recovery from its worst economic crisis and subsequent political turmoil. The election, with 38 candidates, effectively presents a three-way showdown between incumbent liberal President Ranil Wickremesinghe, legislator Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa.

Sri Lankans vote in a presidential election that will chart the country's future in recovery from its worst economic crisis and subsequent political turmoil. The election, with 38 candidates, effectively presents a three-way showdown between incumbent liberal President Ranil Wickremesinghe, legislator Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa. There are 17 million eligible voters, and final results are due today. Results will reflect whether the people of Sri Lanka approve of Wickremesinghe's leadership over the country's fragile recovery, including its debt restructuring under an International Monetary Fund program after it defaulted in 2022. The government said Thursday that it cleared the last hurdle in debt restructuring by agreeing in principle with private bondholders. Sri Lanka had $83 billion in local and foreign debt at the time it defaulted. The government says it has restructured more than $17 billion. But even as important economic figures have improved considerably, Sri Lankans still fight against high taxes and rising living costs. Both Premadasa and Dissanayake promise to renegotiate the IMF deal to make austerity measures more bearable. Wickremesinghe has warned that any move to alter the basics of the agreement could delay the release of a fourth tranche of nearly $3 billion in assistance pledged by the IMF that's crucial to maintaining stability. For most Sri Lankans, this is an economy-driven election, hoping that a new government would take the country out of a complete crisis and end long-established corruption in the system. “I think corruption is one of the main reasons that led the country to the present pathetic condition. So, the next leader should pay attention to eliminate corruption and start building the country,” said Chandrakumar Suriyaarachchi, a driver who voted in Saturday's election. "Our children deserve a better life.” Political analysts note that a widespread disillusion with the traditional political elite, blamed by many for Sri Lanka's economic instability, could mean that no one candidate is to win more than 50 per cent of the votes as a first preference to clinch the presidency. In that event, the top two candidates will proceed to a second round that takes into consideration the votes made in the second preference. In the event of no obvious winner of the power, the island nation could succumb to further instability. Voter Visaka Dissanayake said he hopes Sri Lanka votes for a “strong leader, who will set the path for economic recovery." “We have now come out of a very difficult situation. So, I hope the economic recovery will continue,” Dissanayake said. Sri Lanka's economic crisis has largely originated from excessive borrowing on projects that did not generate revenues. The onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic and government insistence on using scarce foreign reserves to prop up the currency, the rupee, have contributed to the free fall of the economy. The economic meltdown resulted in severe shortages, especially for medicine, food, cooking gas, and fuel, with individuals waiting for days to buy them. This situation resulted in riots, as protesters captured key buildings within the country, including the house of the president and his office, as well as the office of the prime minister, compelling then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to leave the country and resign. Wickremesinghe was elected by a parliamentary vote in July 2022 to complete the five years of Rajapaksa's term. Now, Wickremesinghe is seeking another term to solidify the achievements he has been able to make up so far. But many also accuse him of shielding members of the Rajapaksa family, whom they blame for the economic crisis. Wickremesinghe was elected largely on the votes of Rajapaksa loyalists as the sole member of his party in Parliament and also served in his Cabinet and voted for his reforms.

Sri Lanka polls: Presidential election pivotal to economic recovery

Sri Lanka Presidential Election: Nightlong curfew in Sri Lanka as votes were being counted

Sri Lanka Presidential Election: Dissanayake leads, Premadasa closing in

Sri Lanka Presidential Election: Will it go to a second round of counting?

Sri Lanka Presidential Election: Countdown to election results

Voting for Sri Lanka's presidential election is underway, with 17 million voters set to decide the country's next leader. As the nation votes, the election promises to be a turning point for Sri Lanka's future. Watch in for more details!

Sri Lanka Presidential Election: Total 38 Candidates Vying to Win Top Executive Post

In a few hours from now the people of Sri Lanka will exercise their franchise. The island nation is set to elect the next president. As much as this election is crucial for Sri Lanka neighboring India and China will be watching the Electoral contest very closely. Watch this report to know more!

Sri Lanka Presidential Polls: New Delhi & Beijing Closely Watch Development in Colombo

Two years after suffering its worst-ever economic crisis, Sri Lankans will vote for a new President in a tightly contested election on Saturday (September 21) that will determine the fate of the fragile economy.

Sri Lanka Presidential Election: First election in Sri Lanka since 2022 economic meltdown

Voting for Sri Lanka's presidential election has begun, with 17 million voters set to decide the country's next leader. As the nation votes, the election promises to be a turning point for Sri Lanka's future. Watch in for more details!

Sri Lanka elections: Sri Lankans vote in first election after 2022 economic crisis

Sri Lanka elections: Ranil Wickremesinghe seeks reelection

Sri Lanka elections: Who are Sri Lanka's top candidates for Presidential elections?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived&nbsp;in the United States on Saturday (Sep 21)&nbsp;to attend the Quad Summit and address a key conclave at the United Nations. He is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden. In other news, polls closed in cash-strapped Sri Lanka on Saturday evening with the voter turnout at nearly 70 per cent an hour before polling stations closed at 4 pm (local time).&nbsp;

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Cash-strapped Sri Lanka voted for its next president Saturday in an effective referendum on an unpopular International Monetary Fund austerity plan enacted after the island nation's unprecedented financial crisis.&nbsp;Turnout was at nearly 70 per cent an hour before polling stations closed at 4:00 pm (1030 GMT), an election commission official said, citing provisional figures.

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The White House has officially interacted with a pro-Khalistan Sikh group and assured them of "protection from any transnational aggression on its soil". The unprecedented meeting took place just ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra&nbsp;Modi’s arrival on Saturday (Sep 21), who is on a three-day visit to the United States. Modi is set to attend the Quad leaders’ summit along with leaders of the US, Japan and Australia.

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Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi was sworn in as Delhi's youngest chief minister on Saturday (Sep 21). The oath-taking ceremony began at 4:30 pm IST at Raj Niwas. The ceremony was initially scheduled for September 26-27 but was preponed&nbsp;at&nbsp;the request of the Delhi LG.

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Bangladesh has reversed the hilsa fish export ban and has approved the export of 3000 tonnes of hilsa fish to India ahead of&nbsp;the occasion of Durga Puja, Dhaka's commerce ministry announced in a statement on Saturday (Sep 21), as reported by Bangladesh-based newspaper The Daily Star.&nbsp;

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United States on Saturday (Sep 21) to attend the Quad Summit and address a key conclave at the United Nations. He is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United States on Saturday (Sep 21) to attend the Quad Summit and address a key conclave at the United Nations. He is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden. In other news, polls closed in cash-strapped Sri Lanka on Saturday evening with the voter turnout at nearly 70 per cent an hour before polling stations closed at 4 pm (local time). Click on the headlines to read more: PM Modi arrives in US to attend Quad Summit, to hold meeting with President Biden Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived in the US on a three-day visit to “further strengthen India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership,” attend the Quad summit and address a key conclave at the United Nations. Polls close in Sri Lanka with 70 per cent voter turnout Cash-strapped Sri Lanka voted for its next president Saturday in an effective referendum on an unpopular International Monetary Fund austerity plan enacted after the island nation's unprecedented financial crisis. Turnout was at nearly 70 per cent an hour before polling stations closed at 4:00 pm (1030 GMT), an election commission official said, citing provisional figures. White House interacts with pro-Khalistan groups, offers ‘protection’ from transnational aggression The White House has officially interacted with a pro-Khalistan Sikh group and assured them of "protection from any transnational aggression on its soil". The unprecedented meeting took place just ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival on Saturday (Sep 21), who is on a three-day visit to the United States. Modi is set to attend the Quad leaders’ summit along with leaders of the US, Japan and Australia. Gaza war: 22 killed as IDF targets school-turned-shelter, Israel says it hit militants Gaza's civil defence agency said an Israeli strike Saturday on a school-turned-shelter in the Palestinian territory's largest city killed 22 people, while Israel's military said it targeted Hamas militants. PM Modi’s US visit: Security beefed up amid threats from pro-Khalistan elements Security officials in New Delhi and Washington DC have ensured enhanced security measures for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will arrive in the United States for a three-day visit on Saturday (Sep 21). The officials have been in touch for over the last 15 days and have beefed up security amid concerns following two assassination attempts on ex-US president Donald Trump. Atishi takes oath as Delhi CM, becomes youngest leader to hold top office Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi was sworn in as Delhi's youngest chief minister on Saturday (Sep 21). The oath-taking ceremony began at 4:30 pm IST at Raj Niwas. The ceremony was initially scheduled for September 26-27 but was preponed at the request of the Delhi LG. Bangladesh reverses hilsa export ban, to send 3,000 tonnes of fish to India for Durga Puja Bangladesh has reversed the hilsa fish export ban and has approved the export of 3000 tonnes of hilsa fish to India ahead of the occasion of Durga Puja, Dhaka's commerce ministry announced in a statement on Saturday (Sep 21), as reported by Bangladesh-based newspaper The Daily Star. Tirupati laddoo row: Amul files complaint against X users for claiming that it supplied ghee to temple Amid the Tirupati laddoo row in Andhra Pradesh, Amul filed a complaint with Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Police Station on Saturday (Sep 21) after false reports on social media platform X claimed that the ghee used in the Tirupati temple's laddoos was supplied by the Indian dairy brand. CSK set to retain Jadeja, Ruturaj for IPL 2025; Dhoni retention subject to policy amendment from BCCI: Reports With the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auctions fast approaching, franchises are set to lay out plans for the next campaign. Part of the conversation could see Chennai Super Kings (CSK) retain a chunk of star names including Ravindra Jadeja and Gaikwad. However, the biggest name that is in the headlines is MS Dhoni as fans await his future. According to reports, CSK will retain Dhoni if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) approves amendments to the retention policy. Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi to exchange wedding vows once again in a grand ceremony Lovebirds Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi are preparing to walk down the aisle for the second time! The pair have planned a grand wedding ceremony in Italy this weekend. After tying the knot in a private ceremony back in May, the celebrity couple has now set their sights on a massive celebration in Florence. The couple, who first got married in secret with only close family present, are pulling out all the stops for their second wedding.

Top 10 world news: PM Modi arrives in US; Sri Lanka election updates, and more 

Sri Lanka elections: Sri Lanka votes for its next President

Sri Lanka elections: Can the next leader change youth's pessimism into optimism?

Sri Lanka elections: First election after 2022 economic crisis

Sri Lanka elections: Sri Lanka votes to elect nation's 10th President

President Ranil Wickremesinghe is fighting an uphill battle for a fresh mandate. Can leading candidate Aruna Dissanayake stop Wickremesinghe's re-election bid? Will Ranil Wickremesinghe survive the test or will Sri Lanka see a new president? Counting begins.

Can Anura Kumara Dissanayake Win Sri Lanka Presidential Election 2024?

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka voted for its next president Saturday in an effective referendum on an unpopular International Monetary Fund austerity plan enacted after the island nation's unprecedented financial crisis.

Turnout was at nearly 70 per cent an hour before polling stations closed at 4:00 pm (1030 GMT), an election commission official said, citing provisional figures.

The record for voter turnout in a Sri Lankan presidential election was set in 2019 with 83.72 per cent.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe is fighting an uphill battle for a fresh mandate to continue belt-tightening measures that stabilised the economy and ended months of food, fuel and medicine shortages.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-votes-in-presidential-election-why-do-these-polls-matter-for-india-760631">Also read:&nbsp;Sri Lanka votes in presidential election: Why do these polls matter for India?</a>

His two years in office restored calm to the streets after civil unrest spurred by the downturn in 2022 saw thousands storm the compound of his predecessor, who promptly fled the country.

"I've taken this country out of bankruptcy," Wickremesinghe, 75, said after casting his ballot in the morning.

"I will now deliver Sri Lanka a developed economy, developed social system and developed political system."

But Wickremesinghe's tax hikes and other measures, imposed under the terms of a $2.9 billion IMF bailout, have left millions struggling to make ends meet.

Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka elections: Sri Lankans vote in first election after 2022 economic crisis

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"The country has been through a lot," lawyer and musician Soundarie David Rodrigo told AFP after casting her vote in Colombo.

"So I just don't want to see another upheaval coming soon."

Wickremesinghe is tipped to lose to one of two formidable challengers. One is Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, the leader of a once-marginal Marxist party tarnished by its violent past.&nbsp;

The party led two failed uprisings in the 1970s and 1980s that left more than 80,000 people dead, and it won less than four per cent of the vote in the previous parliamentary elections.

But Sri Lanka's crisis has proven an opportunity for the 55-year-old Dissanayaka, who has seen a surge of support based on his pledge to change the island's "corrupt" political culture.

He said at a polling station he was confident of securing the top job.

"After the victory, there should be no clashes, no violence," he said. "Our country needs a new political culture."

Fellow opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, 57, the son of a former president assassinated in 1993 during the country's decades-long civil war, is also expected to make a strong showing.

Premadasa has vowed to fight endemic corruption, and both he and Dissanayaka have pledged to renegotiate the terms of the IMF rescue package.

<h2>Three-way race&nbsp;</h2>

Political analyst Kusal Perera told AFP it was difficult to predict a winner from the three-way race -- the first in the island's history.

"What is clear is that no candidate will surpass the 50 percent mark" needed to win outright, he said.

Officials would then carry out a count of second- and third-preference votes to determine the winner.

More than 17 million people were eligible to vote in the election, with more than 63,000 police deployed to guard polling booths and counting centres in schools and temples.

The government also banned the sale of liquor over the weekend and said no victory rallies or celebrations would be permitted until a week after the results were announced.

Counting is set to begin on Saturday evening and a result is expected on Sunday, but an official outcome could be delayed if the contest is close.

Schools were closed on Friday to be converted into polling stations, which were staffed by more than 200,000 public servants deployed to conduct the vote.

<h2>'Not out of the woods'&nbsp;</h2>

Economic issues dominated the eight-week campaign, with public anger widespread over the hardships endured since the peak of the crisis two years ago.

Official data showed that Sri Lanka's poverty rate doubled to 25 per cent between 2021 and 2022, adding more than 2.5 million people to those already living on less than $3.65 a day.

Experts warn that Sri Lanka's economy is still vulnerable, with payments on the island's $46 billion foreign debt yet to resume since a 2022 government default.

The IMF said reforms enacted by Wickremesinghe's government were beginning to pay off, with growth slowly returning.

"A lot of progress has been made," the IMF's Julie Kozack told reporters in Washington last week.

"But the country is not out of the woods yet."&nbsp;

Voter Soundarie David Rodrigo agreed.

"We have a lot of challenges ahead so good luck to whoever comes," she told AFP.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka voted for its next president Saturday in an effective referendum on an unpopular International Monetary Fund austerity plan enacted after the island nation's unprecedented financial crisis.

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka voted for its next president Saturday in an effective referendum on an unpopular International Monetary Fund austerity plan enacted after the island nation's unprecedented financial crisis. Turnout was at nearly 70 per cent an hour before polling stations closed at 4:00 pm (1030 GMT), an election commission official said, citing provisional figures. The record for voter turnout in a Sri Lankan presidential election was set in 2019 with 83.72 per cent. President Ranil Wickremesinghe is fighting an uphill battle for a fresh mandate to continue belt-tightening measures that stabilised the economy and ended months of food, fuel and medicine shortages. Also read: Sri Lanka votes in presidential election: Why do these polls matter for India? His two years in office restored calm to the streets after civil unrest spurred by the downturn in 2022 saw thousands storm the compound of his predecessor, who promptly fled the country. "I've taken this country out of bankruptcy," Wickremesinghe, 75, said after casting his ballot in the morning. "I will now deliver Sri Lanka a developed economy, developed social system and developed political system." But Wickremesinghe's tax hikes and other measures, imposed under the terms of a $2.9 billion IMF bailout, have left millions struggling to make ends meet. Watch | Sri Lanka elections: Sri Lankans vote in first election after 2022 economic crisis × "The country has been through a lot," lawyer and musician Soundarie David Rodrigo told AFP after casting her vote in Colombo. "So I just don't want to see another upheaval coming soon." Wickremesinghe is tipped to lose to one of two formidable challengers. One is Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, the leader of a once-marginal Marxist party tarnished by its violent past. The party led two failed uprisings in the 1970s and 1980s that left more than 80,000 people dead, and it won less than four per cent of the vote in the previous parliamentary elections. But Sri Lanka's crisis has proven an opportunity for the 55-year-old Dissanayaka, who has seen a surge of support based on his pledge to change the island's "corrupt" political culture. He said at a polling station he was confident of securing the top job. "After the victory, there should be no clashes, no violence," he said. "Our country needs a new political culture." Fellow opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, 57, the son of a former president assassinated in 1993 during the country's decades-long civil war, is also expected to make a strong showing. Premadasa has vowed to fight endemic corruption, and both he and Dissanayaka have pledged to renegotiate the terms of the IMF rescue package. Three-way race Political analyst Kusal Perera told AFP it was difficult to predict a winner from the three-way race -- the first in the island's history. "What is clear is that no candidate will surpass the 50 percent mark" needed to win outright, he said. Officials would then carry out a count of second- and third-preference votes to determine the winner. More than 17 million people were eligible to vote in the election, with more than 63,000 police deployed to guard polling booths and counting centres in schools and temples. The government also banned the sale of liquor over the weekend and said no victory rallies or celebrations would be permitted until a week after the results were announced. Counting is set to begin on Saturday evening and a result is expected on Sunday, but an official outcome could be delayed if the contest is close. Schools were closed on Friday to be converted into polling stations, which were staffed by more than 200,000 public servants deployed to conduct the vote. 'Not out of the woods' Economic issues dominated the eight-week campaign, with public anger widespread over the hardships endured since the peak of the crisis two years ago. Official data showed that Sri Lanka's poverty rate doubled to 25 per cent between 2021 and 2022, adding more than 2.5 million people to those already living on less than $3.65 a day. Experts warn that Sri Lanka's economy is still vulnerable, with payments on the island's $46 billion foreign debt yet to resume since a 2022 government default. The IMF said reforms enacted by Wickremesinghe's government were beginning to pay off, with growth slowly returning. "A lot of progress has been made," the IMF's Julie Kozack told reporters in Washington last week. "But the country is not out of the woods yet." Voter Soundarie David Rodrigo agreed. "We have a lot of challenges ahead so good luck to whoever comes," she told AFP. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Polls close in Sri Lanka with 70 per cent voter turnout

Polls closed in Sri Lanka's first election since the economic collapse. Millions of voters cast their votes today (Saturday) to select a leader who will face the task of bolstering the country's fragile economic recovery following its worst financial crisis in decades.

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