By: Staff Writer

September 24, Colombo (LNW): The 2024 Presidential Election can be recognized as one of the most intense and competitive elections. This election is taking place against the backdrop of a country where people are demanding change, both economically and socio-politically, the latest analysis of the 2024 presidential poll result revealed.    .

Special attention should be given to the number of votes received by Ranil Wickremesinghe, the acting president who took over after the resignation of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa following the people’s uprising in 2022.

Ranil Wickremesinghe, aligning with the parliamentary group of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), ran as an independent candidate, using the symbol of a gas cylinder. On the other hand, Sajith Premadasa, who was a candidate in the 2019 Presidential Election, ran this time under the symbol of a telephone through his party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.

Meanwhile, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who faced significant setbacks in 2019, emerged this time with strong public support and enthusiasm, running as the candidate for the National People’s Power (NPP) party, using the symbol of a compass.

Thus, it can be noted that from the very beginning, the vote distribution for the 2024 election is more fragmented compared to 2019. Accordingly, it is clear that public behavior in the 2024 Presidential Election marks a noticeable shift at the grassroots level after many years, the report revealed.

The analysis of Sri Lanka’s presidential election results and the division of right-wing politics is rooted in the complex interplay of ethnic, religious, and economic factors that have shaped the country’s political landscape. Several points stand out in this context:

Ethnic and Religious Factors: Sri Lanka’s elections are often influenced by the ethnic divide between the majority Sinhalese (primarily Buddhist) and the Tamil and Muslim minorities. Right-wing politics in Sri Lanka, particularly parties like the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), have historically appealed to Sinhalese nationalism.

This ethnic polarization plays a significant role in how votes are distributed across the country, especially in the Sinhalese-majority southern and central regions versus the Tamil and Muslim-majority north and east.

Economic Concerns: Economic mismanagement, debt crises, and inflation have become central issues in Sri Lankan elections. In recent years, the failure of the government to address these concerns effectively led to discontent across a wide spectrum of the electorate. Right-wing politics often promise strong economic reform, but the results have been mixed, with many voters disillusioned by the outcomes. The recent financial crisis in Sri Lanka has intensified these concerns.

Right-Wing Fragmentation: Within Sri Lanka’s right-wing political sphere, divisions have become apparent. Parties like the SLPP, led by the Rajapaksa family, have faced challenges due to their handling of the economy and governance issues, leading to dissent even among right-leaning voters. The emergence of alternative right-wing figures or movements could further splinter the conservative vote.

Populism and Nationalism: A significant feature of right-wing politics in Sri Lanka has been the appeal to populism and nationalism, particularly around the protection of Buddhist heritage and national sovereignty. This stance has led to tensions with minority communities and further cemented the divide between ethnic groups.

External Influence: Sri Lankan politics, including right-wing movements, have also been influenced by international actors, including China and India, which have vested interests in the country’s strategic location. These geopolitical factors can sway public opinion, especially on economic and sovereignty issues.

The future of right-wing politics in Sri Lanka will likely depend on how the country addresses these economic and ethnic challenges, and whether new political forces emerge to reshape the traditional political alliances.

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 24, Colombo (LNW): The United National Party (UNP) has announced that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe will not be contesting in the upcoming General Election, marking the end of his 50-year political career.

Deputy Leader of the UNP, Ruwan Wijewardena, confirmed that Wickremesinghe has no intention of seeking re-entry into Parliament through the National List, thus signalling his formal retirement from active politics.

Wickremesinghe, who has played a significant role in Sri Lankan politics for over five decades, has held various high-ranking positions throughout his career.

He served as Prime Minister multiple times before becoming President, navigating the nation through challenging economic and political landscapes.

His decision to step away from public office comes at a time when the UNP is reshaping its leadership and preparing for the upcoming electoral battles.

Wijewardena’s statement underscores that Wickremesinghe is ready to conclude his political journey, having contributed significantly to the country’s governance and policy-making.

For decades, he was a central figure in steering the UNP’s ideology and political direction, leaving behind a complex legacy marked by both achievements and controversies.

By: Staff Writer

September 24, Colombo (LNW): European Union election monitors have raised concerns over the fairness of the election campaign leading up to Sri Lanka’s 2024 Presidential election, pointing to actions by the government that skewed the playing field in favor of the incumbent.

In a preliminary report on the election, the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) highlighted salary increases for public employees, social welfare programs, interest-free student loans, and financial aid for small businesses as measures introduced by the government during the campaign and promoted positively by state media. These initiatives were viewed as benefiting the incumbent’s re-election campaign.

The EU EOM stated that the distinction between governance and campaigning became blurred, with government officials actively participating in the incumbent’s rallies. This situation was exacerbated by the absence of elected provincial and local councils…

“The line between governing and campaigning was further blurred by the participation of state and local officials in the incumbent’s rallies. This was aggravated by the absence of elected provincial and local councils,” the EU EOM said.

Nacho Sánchez Amor, Member of the European Parliament from Spain and Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Sri Lanka, presented the mission’s preliminary findings for the 21 September presidential election.

“The 2024 presidential election was a pivotal step for Sri Lanka, as the first electoral contest, after the unprecedented economic and political crises of 2022.

The Election Commission conducted the process independently and with resolve, ensuring transparency at all key stages of the election. The election itself offered voters genuine political choices, and the campaign was largely peaceful and energetic,” he said.

However, he said the advantage of incumbency tilted the playing field, while some manipulative digital campaigns aimed to confuse voters.

The Chief Observer noted that the election day was orderly and calm, with well-trained polling staff efficiently facilitating voting in all polling stations observed by the EU EOM.

The first count of the ballots was equally well-organised, ensuring the integrity of the process, although at times the premises were crowded. The presence of citizen observers and party agents in polling stations, counting centres and at the tabulation of results added to the transparency of the process.

The Election Commission of Sri Lanka (ECSL) managed its responsibilities transparently, earning stakeholders’ trust. The Commission worked closely with civil society and monitored the campaign, despite having limited enforcement powers. It also took public stances against the misuse of state resources and addressed other campaign violations, noted the Chief Observer.

The legal framework provides a solid foundation for democratic elections, with recent reforms improving privacy protections and regulating campaign finance. However, new and proposed laws create powers which could restrict political freedom.

 The campaign was competitive, and fundamental freedoms were broadly respected. The media coverage of the presidential contest was lively, yet media offered very limited non-partisan scrutiny and analysis, which would have helped voters to make an informed choice.

National fact-checkers and civil society organisations made a positive contribution to the different stages of the election and strengthened transparency. They were agile in flagging disinformation, tracking violations of election rules and calling public attention to the misuse of incumbency.

“While the election framework supports a democratic election, improvements could be made to refine the electoral process, including by enhancing transparency in political finance and advancing women’s participation in public and political life,” added Chief Observer Sánchez Aor.

The EU EOM has been present in Sri Lanka since 14 August, with over 70 international observers deployed across all nine provinces. The mission will continue to observe the post election environment and will publish a final report, including recommendations for improving future elections, in the coming months.

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 24, Colombo (LNW): Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has been officially selected as the prime ministerial candidate for the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya (SJB) in the upcoming General Election.

The decision, which was unanimously endorsed at a recent party meeting, reaffirms Premadasa’s leadership role within the coalition as they prepare for the electoral race.

Addressing speculation about potential alliances, Premadasa dispelled rumours of any collaboration between himself and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

He clarified that there is no partnership between the two, firmly distancing himself from any suggestion of a political alliance with Wickremesinghe.

As the SJB mobilises its campaign under his leadership, Premadasa also took a moment to reflect on his recent defeat in the presidential election. In a heartfelt message to his supporters, he expressed deep gratitude for the backing he received from all corners of Sri Lanka.

Premadasa acknowledged the diverse support across Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, and Burgher communities, underscoring his continued dedication to the country’s progress.

“Whether you are Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, or from any other community, and regardless of your political ideology, I have felt your hopes, and I carry them with me,” Premadasa said.

Reaffirming his commitment to unity and national development, Premadasa stressed that his vision for a prosperous and inclusive Sri Lanka remains steadfast.

“I am as dedicated as ever to the dream of a united and flourishing Sri Lanka, where every child has the opportunity to thrive, every community feels a sense of belonging, and peace touches every heart,” he declared.

In his closing remarks, Premadasa vowed to continue fighting for the nation’s future. “Thank you for believing in me, and I assure you, I will not stop striving for the future we deserve,” he added.

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 24, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed National People’s Power (NPP) MP Dr Harini Amarasuriya as Sri Lanka’s 16th Prime Minister.

An academic, rights activist, and university lecturer, Amarasuriya’s elevation to this prominent role marks a significant moment in the country’s political landscape.

Renowned for her work in education and social justice, Dr Amarasuriya’s appointment reflects a shift towards a more inclusive political environment.

She becomes the third woman to hold the title of Prime Minister, following Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the world’s first woman prime minister, and her daughter, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.

Dr Amarasuriya’s journey into politics began with her involvement in the NPP, entering Parliament in 2020 through the party’s national list. As the first academic-turned-politician to ascend to the office of Prime Minister, she brings a unique blend of intellectual rigor and activism to the position.

Her appointment is expected to shape discussions on social reforms, particularly in the fields of education and human rights, as her background strongly aligns with these areas.

Amarasuriya’s rise to the second-highest office in Sri Lanka represents a break from traditional political paths, offering hope for a more progressive and policy-driven approach to governance.

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 24, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission has officially announced that 35 presidential candidates will lose their security deposits after failing to meet the required vote threshold in the recently concluded 2024 presidential election.

Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake clarified that these candidates did not secure at least 12.5 per cent of the vote, a prerequisite for retaining their deposits.

With a voter turnout of over 79 per cent, the participation in this election marked a slight decline compared to the 83 per cent turnout in 2019.

Despite the high engagement, many candidates struggled to capture the necessary support to meet the eligibility criteria for deposit refunds.

The forfeit of security deposits is a standard procedure in Sri Lanka’s electoral system, designed to ensure that only candidates with a reasonable level of public backing are incentivised to contest in the elections.

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 24, Colombo (LNW): The European Union has extended its congratulations to Anura Kumara Dissanayake following his election and inauguration as President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

In a formal statement, the EU acknowledged the high voter turnout during the 21st September presidential election, commending the Sri Lankan people for their ongoing dedication to democratic processes.

The EU highlighted that the elections were conducted peacefully within a competitive political environment. At the request of Sri Lankan authorities, the EU deployed an Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to provide an independent and impartial evaluation of the electoral process.

This collaboration, the EU emphasised, reflects the strong partnership between the bloc and Sri Lanka, particularly in the areas of good governance and democracy.

In its preliminary findings, the EU EOM reported that fundamental freedoms were largely upheld during the election.

It also praised Sri Lanka’s Election Commission (ECSL) for its independent and transparent handling of the process, ensuring fair conduct at every stage.

However, the EU EOM noted certain areas for improvement, particularly in political finance transparency and increasing women’s participation in politics.

These observations will be expanded upon in the mission’s final report, which will include detailed recommendations aimed at further refining the electoral process in Sri Lanka.

The European Union reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s status as a key and valued partner, stressing that their cooperation is rooted in a shared commitment to democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law.

The EU also emphasised the strong trade and investment ties between the two regions and their joint efforts to combat climate change and promote a green transition.

Looking ahead, the EU expressed its willingness to continue supporting President Dissanayake’s administration, particularly in its reform agenda aimed at steering Sri Lanka towards economic recovery, national reconciliation, and inclusive development.

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 24, Colombo (LNW): National People’s Power (NPP) MP Vijitha Herath has confirmed that the newly appointed Cabinet of Ministers is set to be sworn in today (24).

This marks a significant step in the early days of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration, signalling the formation of his government’s core leadership team.

Herath further revealed that discussions regarding the potential dissolution of Parliament are also on the agenda.

He noted that the matter would be addressed in a meeting with President Dissanayake later in the day.

The timing of these discussions indicates the administration’s intention to rapidly move forward with plans that could lead to a fresh parliamentary election.

The NPP’s focus on political and institutional reform has been a central theme of its governance agenda.

Dissolving Parliament and calling for fresh elections could serve as a way to consolidate power and align legislative support with the new executive leadership, ensuring smoother progress in implementing its policy goals.

By: Isuru Parakrama

September 24, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts. A few showers may occur in North-western province.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva and Eastern provinces during the evening or night.

Strong winds about (40-45)kmph can be expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central, North-western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee, Matale and Monaragala districts.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather: