Sri Lanka has commenced counting votes following the conclusion of its presidential election, marking a significant moment for the cash-strapped nation as it navigates its first electoral contest since the economic collapse of 2022. This election is seen as a referendum on the government’s implementation of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) austerity plan in the wake of a severe financial crisis that led to widespread civil unrest and shortages of essential goods.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is seeking a fresh mandate, faces a challenging battle. His administration has stabilized the economy after a tumultuous period characterized by protests and a demand for his predecessor’s resignation. Wickremesinghe, now 75, has emphasized the need for continued reforms to prevent bankruptcy, urging voters to choose between returning to chaos or supporting progress.
Despite these efforts, his presidency has been marked by significant tax hikes and austerity measures, which have left many Sri Lankans struggling financially. With inflation soaring and living conditions deteriorating, public discontent is palpable, providing an opening for his challengers.
The election features two notable opponents: Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, leader of a Marxist party, and Sajith Premadasa, son of a former president assassinated in 1993. Dissanayaka, 55, has gained traction by promising to transform the island’s “corrupt” political landscape, while Premadasa is also expected to perform strongly, drawing on his family legacy.
Polling day saw over 63,000 police officers deployed to maintain order at voting booths and counting centers, ensuring a peaceful environment for the more than 17 million eligible voters. Authorities even prepared anti-riot squads and deployed police to protect polling places from wildlife disturbances, particularly wild elephants.
Initial reports suggest that polling proceeded without major incidents. The counting of votes began shortly after the polls closed on Saturday, with results expected to be announced on Sunday. However, if the election is closely contested, official results may be delayed.
The campaign leading up to the election has been dominated by economic concerns, with many voters expressing frustration over the hardships that have emerged since the crisis peaked. Official statistics reveal that the poverty rate in Sri Lanka doubled between 2021 and 2022, pushing an additional 2.5 million people below the threshold of living on less than $3.65 a day.
While the IMF has noted that the reforms implemented by Wickremesinghe’s government are beginning to yield positive results, with gradual economic growth returning, experts caution that the country remains vulnerable. Payments on Sri Lanka’s substantial foreign debt, totaling $46 billion, have yet to resume following the government’s default in 2022.
Julie Kozack of the IMF remarked that “a lot of progress has been made,” but she emphasized that “the country is not out of the woods yet.” As the counting continues, the stakes are high for both the future of Sri Lanka’s economy and the political landscape as voters respond to the challenges they have faced over the past years.
