Sri Lanka Schedules First Presidential Election Since Economic Collapse

Vote on September 21 will test public confidence in President Wickremesinghe's economic reforms and recovery efforts.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who took office after the 2022 crisis, is expected to run for re-election.
The election will be the first since Sri Lanka declared bankruptcy and faced severe shortages of essentials.
Economic issues, including austerity measures and debt restructuring, are central to the campaign.
Opposition candidates promise to renegotiate the IMF bailout terms to ease the cost of living.
The outcome will be crucial for the continuation of financial reforms and the country's fragile recovery.