Colombo: The stage is set for a significant political event in Sri Lanka. Ranil Wickremesinghe, the current President, has made a significant announcement. He has decided to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming presidential election. This decision, which comes in the wake of the Election Commission’s announcement of the election date, could potentially reshape the country’s political landscape.
Wickremesinghe’s attorneys presented the Election Commissioner with a cash bond to support his candidacies in the upcoming election.
The poll panel asked the presidential candidates to deposit funds until August 14 after announcing the election on September 21.
According to the Election Commission, a candidate nominated by an elector must deposit 75,000 Sri Lankan Rupees, whereas a candidate from a recognised political party must pay 50,000.
In July 2022, Wickremesinghe became the President following the departure of his predecessor, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled the country and later resigned in the face of a dire economic crisis. November 17 marks the end of his term.
The Election Commission declared in the gazette notification that the presidential election must take place no later than one month after the President’s term expires and no earlier than two months before.
Wickremesinghe ran the country with the majority parliamentary mandate of the Rajapaksa party, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).
The SLPP, which was once a unified political force, has now splintered into multiple factions. This division has cast uncertainty on whether the party will back Wickremesinghe’s independent candidacy. Namal Rajapaksa, the heir apparent to the Rajapaksa dynasty, has accused Wickremesinghe of fracturing his father’s party. Despite this, several cabinet members have expressed their support for Wickremesinghe as the common candidate, further complicating the political situation.
The SLPP’s impending announcement on Monday adds to the suspense in the political arena, as it remains uncertain if they will back Wickremesinghe.
The international dynamics of Sri Lankan politics are evident in Wickremesinghe’s outreach to India and Japan, contrasting with the ‘pro-China’ stance of the Rajapaksas.
India provided more than $4 billion in financial aid to Sri Lanka, which was in dire need of food, gasoline, and medication due to a severe financial crisis. Meanwhile, Japan resumed large sponsored projects put on hold during the Rajapaksa dictatorship.
Photo: IANS
