Results for: Rajapaksa

Sri Lanka’s presidential election, taking place this weekend, is a crucial moment for the nation as it continues to grapple with an ongoing economic crisis. The election marks the first time in two decades that a member of the Rajapaksa family is not a leading candidate. This election is not just a referendum on incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s efforts to steer the nation out of the crisis, but also a defining point for the path towards economic recovery. The three leading contenders, each with a different vision, are vying for the support of voters who prioritize economic stability, equitable development, and anti-corruption measures.

A faction of the Sri Lanka People’s Front (SLPP), led by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s family, will form a new political party to support incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming election. The move comes despite the SLPP’s official nomination of Namal Rajapaksa as their candidate. This split reflects the ongoing power struggle within the party, fueled by disagreements over economic reforms and the role of state-owned enterprises.

Namal Rajapaksa, the son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has officially entered the Sri Lankan presidential race, challenging incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe. This move signifies the end of the Rajapaksa family’s support for Wickremesinghe, who they previously backed to succeed Gotabaya Rajapaksa last year. Namal’s entry creates a four-way contest, with opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake also in the fray.