📷 Image Credits: The Hindu
In a significant political development, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to contest the upcoming Presidential election as an independent candidate, his aide confirmed on July 7. Deputy Chairman of the United National Party Ruwan Wijewardene stated that Mr. Wickremesinghe, aged 75, will be participating in the election, citing his ability to address the country’s economic crisis with his expertise and track record.
The Election Commission Chairman, R.M.A.L. Ratnayake, announced that the commission will have the legal authority to declare the election date after July 17 and assured that the date will be revealed by the end of July. The presidential election is scheduled to take place between September 17 and October 16, as per the commission’s earlier announcement.
Sri Lanka has been grappling with a severe financial crisis, leading to its first-ever sovereign default in April 2022. The crisis resulted in the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, paving the way for Mr. Wickremesinghe to assume the role of the stop-gap President in July 2022. As the Finance Minister, he has implemented stringent economic reforms in line with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.
Mr. Wickremesinghe’s administration recently finalized a crucial debt restructuring agreement in Paris worth $5.8 billion with bilateral lenders, including India and China, to fulfill a key condition for an IMF bailout. With the upcoming election, the decision to run as an independent candidate underscores the significance of choosing effective leadership for the nation’s progress and economic stability.
As the political landscape in Sri Lanka unfolds with Mr. Wickremesinghe’s candidacy, the country is poised for a critical electoral process that will shape its economic recovery and future prospects.
