• Turnout down from 83.72% in 2019
• Over 17 m eligible to vote
• 13,421 polling stations islandwide 
• 700,000 eligible postal voters, cast early
• Counting at 1,713 locations, no major violations

Sri Lanka yesterday (21) voted for the first time since its 2022 crisis to elect its ninth Executive President, in what is likely one of the most decisive elections in the island nation’s democratic history.

However, the enthusiasm for voting was seemingly less pronounced than during the 2019 election, with an overall voter turnout of around 75%, according to the Election Commission (EC). 

This, despite a record number (38) of presidential candidates registering to run for the top seat in Sri Lankan governance. 

The voter turnout for the Presidential Election in 2019 was 83.72%. Election results were being counted at 1,713 counting centres islandwide.

With over 17 million (17,140,354) eligible voters, voting was carried out at 13,421 polling stations in what the EC and the Police described as a peaceful and calm process.

Meanwhile, nearly 700,000 registered postal voters had voted ahead of the election.

“From 26 July when this election period was announced, we have had no major violations reported. Today the process went well. I think this may have been the most peaceful election we have had thus far,” Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake told the media, thanking all stakeholders involved for the outcome.

Ratnayake also told the media that postal vote counting had already begun at the counting centres.

Speaking to The Sunday Morning, EC Chairman R.M.A.L. Rathnayake stated that the commission had begun counting, with ballot boxes in transit.

The election comes hot on the heels of the island’s worst economic crisis that bankrupted the nation and a wave of political instability that saw an elected president ousted due to public pressure.

Sri Lanka is struggling to regain its feet economically, while following a $ 2.9 billion bailout agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). 

There is also considerable public momentum towards a change in how the governance of the island is run, with many calling for an overhaul of the establishment and the political culture the country has endured for decades. 

Such cries are magnified by the significant rise in poverty in Sri Lanka due to the prevailing economic crisis and the austerity measures brought in through the IMF programme. 

The candidate who emerges victorious at the polls has to face a range of challenges in moving Sri Lanka forward. As such, the polls will likely be a pivotal point in the South Asian nation’s future trajectory.

Days before the election, the leading presidential candidates expressed optimism over winning the election at their last campaign rallies.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, running for re-election as an ‘independent,’ spoke confidently, highlighting the economic recovery under his leadership and predicting that Sri Lanka would soon be declared free from bankruptcy. 

He also called on voters to continue supporting his reforms for long-term stability.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the candidate of the National People’s Power (NPP), which has gained in popularity over the last few years, was similarly optimistic, outlining ambitious plans to boost the economy through IT and tourism sectors. 

Dissanayake said that the NPP’s victory was already assured and pledged to dissolve Parliament within days of taking power. 

He also stressed his commitment to creating jobs, supporting local farmers, and revitalising the fishing and agriculture industry, positioning himself as a strong contender for the presidency.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa declared that his party would secure victory by a margin of two million votes, citing multiple reports and polls. 

Premadasa, a key candidate, criticised his rivals for trailing behind and pledged to provide wide-ranging relief to those involved in agriculture and those below the poverty line.

Sarvajana Balaya alliance candidate Dilith Jayaweera also expressed strong belief in his chances, presenting his national strategic plan as a first in Sri Lanka’s political history and urging voters to back his vision for real change.

Namal Rajapaksa, representing the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) – the party of ousted President Gotabaya Rajapaksa – exuded self-assurance in his ability to lead the country, dismissing concerns about his candidacy. 

He has outlined his vision based on the ‘Mahinda Chintana’ doctrine of his father (former President Mahinda Rajapaka) for further development, particularly for his electorate of Hambantota.

Meanwhile, Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) Executive Director Brizza Rosales said that while the voting process during election day had been peaceful, there had been certain obstacles.

Speaking to The Sunday Morning yesterday, she said: “The voting process was peaceful and orderly, which shows the commitment of Sri Lankans to their continuous engagement in shaping its future.” 

However, she noted: “Even though it was peaceful, we observed certain challenges in terms of accessibility at some polling stations. Moreover, some people were influencing voters.”

When asked about their observations during the period leading up to the Presidential Election, Rosales said: “During our monitoring, we have noted abuse of State resources.”

“Right now ANFREL is observing counting centres’ postal and non-postal votes. We are also looking forward to the actions of the EC regarding election violations. It is important to communicate to the public that it is taking action in this regard.”

Rosales added that ANFREL would be having a post-election discussion on Tuesday (24).

Meanwhile, European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) Press Officer Marek Mracka said that a press conference would be held on their observations along with the release of their report tomorrow (23) at 1 p.m.