As voting commenced for the 9th Executive Presidential Election of Sri Lanka today, several major candidates cast their ballots early in the morning, marking a significant day in the country’s democratic process.
Dilith Jayaweera, who is contesting the election through popular vote, was among the first to cast his vote. He arrived at the polling station at Mirihana Sri Chandrarama early in the morning, demonstrating his commitment to the election.
Sajith Premadasa, leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the leader of the opposition, also exercised his franchise early. He cast his vote at the polling station in the Chandraloka Dhamma School, located at Vivekaramaya Purana Vihara in Rajagiriya Fortegoda.
Wijayadasa Rajapaksa, representing the National Democratic Front Party, made his way to the polling station at Nawala Wickramasingharama Viharaya, where he cast his vote, following suit with other candidates in encouraging voter participation.
Meanwhile, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the leader of the National People’s Power (NPP), voted later in the morning at around 10:00 am at Panchikawatta Abayasingharama Temple.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is running as an independent candidate in this election, cast his vote at the Sanatana Mandir located within the University of Colombo.
Finally, Namal Rajapaksa, the candidate from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), arrived early at DA Medamulana and cast his vote at the local polling station in the school.
These early appearances by prominent candidates underscore the significance of this year’s election, which features a record number of candidates and the largest voter base in the country’s history. The Election Commission continues to encourage voters to head to the polling stations and cast their votes as the election unfolds throughout the day.
