Presidential Election in October first week

By Jamila Husain

26 March 2024 06:23 am - 55 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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- Elections Commission yet to be officially notified

- Basil loses battle to convince President to hold Parliamentary Polls first

- Three main candidates will fight the Presidency

- President hints to cabinet to prepare for Presidential Polls

- Campaigning to begin after Vesak

Colombo, March 26 (Daily Mirror) - President Ranil Wickremesinghe has informed his close associates and hinted to his cabinet that the Presidential Election will be held as scheduled, indicating Basil Rajapaksa's failure in convincing the President to hold the Parliamentary Polls first, the Daily Mirror learns.

A senior political source said that Wickremesinghe had in the past two cabinet meetings discussed the elections and indicated that the Presidential Election would be held as scheduled.

Although the Elections Commission is yet to be notified officially, sources said that the elections will be held in the first week of October.

The three main candidates who will run for the presidency are Ranil Wickremesinghe from the UNP, Sajith Premadasa from the SJB and Anura Kumara Dissanayake from the NPP.

The main SLPP is not expected to field its own candidate and will pledge its support to Wickremesinghe, with the SLPP camp already being divided with some members already pledging their support to the President.

The SLPP have in recent weeks been campaigning for a parliamentary election to be held first with Basil also meeting Wickremesinghe last week in order to convince him, but talks seem to have failed with the President remaining firm on his decision.

The Daily Mirror learns that former UNP members close to Wickremesinghe have advised the President to hold the Presidential Election first instead of the Parliamentary Polls, seeing it as a path for the UNP to enter parliament once again in the event Wickremesinghe wins the Presidential race.

NPP's Anura Kumara Dissanayake who is also continuing a vigorous local and international campaign eyeing to win the Presidency received 3.9 per cent votes in the 2019 Presidential Election. If he is to win the election this year, he will have to increase his vote base drastically to poll at least 50 per cent or above in the upcoming election.

SJB's Sajith Premadasa who won 40 per cent votes in the 2019 election race is also continuing his campaign but with trouble in his camp with last-minute notable crossovers likely before the Presidential Polls, he will need to campaign harder to poll the 50 per cent or above.

Wickremesinghe himself will have to prepare himself for a tough campaign if he wants to win the Presidency. With the UNP getting wiped out in the past election, political sources say his campaign will need to be stronger, especially at the grassroots level where the UNP has always lacked popularity.

Political analysts have rubbished the recent polls being released on social media by various organizations and individuals indicating percentages on which candidate is likely to win the presidential race as still over 40 per cent of voters still seem to be undecided on who to vote for in the upcoming election, due to the failure of politicians in general which led to the country's turmoil and worst ever economic crisis.

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Comments - 55

Punchi Tuesday, 26 March 2024 07:01 AM

Why do we need elections, we should confer all power to the Sangas and they will bring back the immense prosperity and immense power that prevailed when Buddha visited our paradise

Ignatius Tuesday, 26 March 2024 07:29 AM

Very wise and Cunning. Ranil knows no Rajapakse can be elected president. He is telling Rajapake - you support me and elect me prsident. I will then support your party. There is no one n the Rajapakse party who can put their hand up for president.

Haren Tuesday, 26 March 2024 07:33 AM

Of the three names contenders, it is only RW who has the skill, knowledge and experience to navigate the ship through the troubled waters. His capabilities which may have been doubted previously, has been more than demonstrated and proved over the last 18 months. He has had firm resolve, and the courage to take difficult and politically difficult decisions, which have been needed to arrest the carnage and reverse course towards less treacherous waters. The current chartered course has to be navigated with the assistance of expert guidance like the IMF. RW is the only one among the likely candidates who will not rock the boat on the journey. SP and AKD will be absolute disasters at the helm with their populistic vote hunting policies and agendas.

RR Tuesday, 26 March 2024 03:44 PM

As a srilankan living abroad I wish all the best for mother Lanka. Luckly I am living a very good life abroad but can not forget about poor ppl in SL. Please cast smartly your vote. The country is going to be like Uganda or Kenya if proper action isnt taken. You need a new political culture. Change this sad situation.

SM Tuesday, 26 March 2024 05:11 PM

You are 100% correct. Ranil Wickramasinghe did an incredible job digging the country out of the terrible mess the Rajapakse’s created. Sajith and AKD are inexperienced pups, and skill less jokers, that’s why these two jokers didn’t take the responsibility when they were asked to take the presidency during the crisis.

Jude Tuesday, 26 March 2024 07:41 AM

Come this October The Blemish career And tarnished reputation of Ranil gonna come to an end.

Sam Silva Tuesday, 26 March 2024 05:15 PM

And then you want you red brothers to govern our country. Very pathetic.

Ranjith PERERA Tuesday, 26 March 2024 07:42 AM

The ground reality is that contest between SJB and NPP alias JVP .The space is only for Sajith and Anura in this race , though Anura and Ranil prefer to be each other’s main rival Overwhelming number of supporters of SLPP who are likely to vote will support either Sajith and Anura.

Mahila Tuesday, 26 March 2024 03:53 PM

“Day Dreaming” after ¼ Gal at Tabbaruma, at it's very extreme and Largest Expanse!!?? Meaning, 3% to even 45% is good aspiration, achieving it is another matter??? The 40% to 50% of SJB may be achievable, but doubtful they are deserting as if in a Sinking Ship!!!??? What for the Telling!!??? Daisy Archie's Story Like!!??

Jude Tuesday, 26 March 2024 07:44 AM

Until it's Gazetted, I won't believe any elections gonna happen!!

Jude Tuesday, 26 March 2024 07:46 AM

RANIL will stoop to any level to hangon to power and he'll do any dirty things to grab power and that's the hallmark of his career.

Jagath Tuesday, 26 March 2024 07:49 AM

Well done Mr. President for defying the master criminal Basil Rajapaksa.

Robin Banks Tuesday, 26 March 2024 07:50 AM

I will vote for anyone who can put Basil Rajapaksa in prison for defrauding the nation.

ANNECUNT Tuesday, 26 March 2024 02:36 PM

yes you are correct

Ediri raj sooriya Tuesday, 26 March 2024 05:18 PM

You are correct no vote for family politics this time

Sam Silva Tuesday, 26 March 2024 07:51 AM

Ranil kick all the Rajapaksas out and contest. You will have some respect even though you will lose the race.

Nilmini Welivita Tuesday, 26 March 2024 07:52 AM

Ranil is a fool for not listening to Basil. Basil is the smartest politician in the country.

Sri Lankan Aussie Tuesday, 26 March 2024 03:19 PM

Of course He is smart as a crow. Why do you think he bought 4 houses in America!

SL/Aussie Tuesday, 26 March 2024 03:44 PM

Yep He's a smart Crow, bought 4 houses in America

Sandraa Tuesday, 26 March 2024 07:19 PM

What??!

Mahila Tuesday, 26 March 2024 10:04 PM

Fully agree, as long as the Voters remain Ignorant and Foolish as they are, they will be continuing to vote ‘En masse’ - "all together and at the same time, in large numbers" - 'Herd Instinct'; not due to any Informed decision-making process or inherent Intelligence!!????

Nimal Tuesday, 26 March 2024 07:55 AM

This will be the much awaited moment of reckoning for Sri Lanka when all the horrific misdeeds of the present regime will be put to test. People's fundamental rights have been heinously suppressed for so long. This time they will express their true feelings well and truly chasing away the current rulers whose main intention was to rob the nation bone dry and fatten their purses heaping intense burdens and nothing but burdens on the people.

FredSnR Tuesday, 26 March 2024 07:55 AM

Have the elections soon.That's the easy part. Running the country well, the difficult part. We are making the easy part difficult. Then victory becomes the goal not running the country successfully. After winning the victor spends time finding jobs for the boys girls men women who supported him not picking the best brains to run the country.Need a brain change to stop the brain drain and turn the country around

Inshi Tuesday, 26 March 2024 08:13 AM

The one who wins will be the person who has proved to the masses that their lives depended on the improvement and quality of life to them and not by additional burdens on the people who have seen time and time again the country wasting public funds on things that they thought unnecessary but are and were helpless. May the genuine leader win. People have got smarter by the sincerity being displayed.

Amaran Tuesday, 26 March 2024 08:17 AM

I love Hon President Ranil. My vote is for him.

Suhada malli Tuesday, 26 March 2024 08:26 AM

When we hear the Sri Lankan citizens blaming their leader for 75 years of failures, what they are unknowingly saying is that as voters they have been foolish for 75 years. In the case of Ranil W, he has lost about 42 elections and the reason for that is the foolishness of the voters stemming from their selfishness or self centeredness. As long as we have such voters we will continue to elect the more dishonest but smooth talkers and defeat the more honest but lousy talkers. We will always end up electing the wrong leaders. This election we as voters should agitate every candidate to share a long term at least 15 to 25 years plan as a vision and policy statement.

joshua Tuesday, 26 March 2024 08:40 AM

Enjoy the last few months. Anyway, happy that you didn't heed a hoot to the cries of the Mr 10%. He can now go back to USA

ANTON Tuesday, 26 March 2024 09:12 AM

ANY MORE GOODS TO REDUCE IN PRICES .

Jude Tuesday, 26 March 2024 09:25 AM

RANIL will collaborate with other members (except NPP) to prorogue parliament and to postpone presidential elections by passing a motion in parliament with a simple majority. Right now that conspiracy in the works. And under NPP government THOSE conspirators should be prosecuted and put behind bars.

Sam Silva Tuesday, 26 March 2024 05:20 PM

Seems you have more information than any one can find. Perhaps you should contest.

Jude Tuesday, 26 March 2024 09:29 AM

AT the moment only NPP wants elections non of other political parties don't want any elections!! Those people think the tide is GONNA soften in an year or two.

Lk Tuesday, 26 March 2024 09:31 AM

This is going to be tough three way competition and yet , there is a possibility that AKD is ahead of other two because of his leadership skills; honesty and political integrity. It would be very good for Democracy and for the country if the natural course of justice is done .. Without any interference from any one . No one should interfere in election. People should have their choice to vote as they want . Let the people decide Let the people have their say Let us have free election to see how people behave in politics

Roshanaly Tuesday, 26 March 2024 09:45 AM

Even the local election date were fixed, ultimately what happened. That poor Mujibu Rahaman resigned the MP post to contest for Mayor.

Analyst Tuesday, 26 March 2024 09:47 AM

JVP has no chance. With SLPP support RW has a strong possibility to win. SJB can give a good fight. Interesting to see the Tamil vote which can be a decisive factor.

Jude Tuesday, 26 March 2024 10:26 AM

If Elections held in October The NPP Tide will turn into a Tsunami!! Yeah.

Patriot Tuesday, 26 March 2024 10:40 AM

An NPP led government with Ranil as the president would be the ideal combination right now.

Sgdfhdhhfg Tuesday, 26 March 2024 11:10 AM

Its going to be 1st NPP, 2nd UNP, and third SJB, up to no where good SLPP out

PJS Peiris Tuesday, 26 March 2024 11:10 AM

This is the joke of the day. RW will not hold the presidential knowing that he has no chance of winning. Usually As per my knowledge, RW will not do what he says, instead he will do the opposite. Lets see.

Aviator Tuesday, 26 March 2024 01:22 PM

Agree. He's such a low life and will do anything to not hold the election. The people must be ready to oust him by force the moment he tries to delay or cancel the elections.

Mahila Tuesday, 26 March 2024 12:56 PM

So, it is going to be 5th Saturday, October 2024!!??

Mahila Wednesday, 27 March 2024 08:24 AM

Probably Ranil's Lucky day 5!???

Patriot Tuesday, 26 March 2024 01:44 PM

Don't underestimate the person who became the president only having one seat in the parliament

Sam Silva Tuesday, 26 March 2024 05:27 PM

Only this person who has one seat had the backbone and the guts to take over the country after the turmoil created by aragalya. All other leaders did not take the leadership when it was offered to them and had excuses. You need to refresh your memory next time when you post a comment.

Ranjan Tuesday, 26 March 2024 01:45 PM

Ranil will win this comfortably. Mark my words.

Samanthi Tuesday, 26 March 2024 01:51 PM

Ranil is a master player. He won't dare playing if there's no chance of winning. I'm pretty sure he will win this time.

Siva Tuesday, 26 March 2024 02:13 PM

Ranil will win for sure

Vote for me Tuesday, 26 March 2024 04:56 PM

If he wins our KARUMAYA will start with. SLPP

Cherath Tuesday, 26 March 2024 03:59 PM

For all the monstrosities and stupidities of the elected governments since 1948, the voters deserve a crown of horns. After 76 yrs of being hoodwinked, robbed and cheated, one hopes they are a little wiser now. Wise enough to see Ranil as an impotent, ineffective and lacks even an aorta of an idea to arrest a declining economy at turbo speed. What is more he is furthest from the grass root Sri Lankan.

Lasantha Tuesday, 26 March 2024 04:51 PM

If Ranil contests, he will set a new record since he will be the first incumbent president in Sri Lanka who will come third in the election.

Joe Viraj Ediri Tuesday, 26 March 2024 05:37 PM

No family politics or lier as a next president

wickrama wijayasiri Tuesday, 26 March 2024 06:51 PM

If AKD wins we all would have to learn Korean? This is based on his speech in Toronto.

Sunil Tuesday, 26 March 2024 07:18 PM

Let Ranil be evermore generous with his tear gas and water cannon. He already holds the national record for ruthless use of these by any leader of the country. With such a proud record under his belt, the results of any election are crystal clear.

Musaddique Ansar Tuesday, 26 March 2024 11:59 PM

A weakness of a person/group is a strength to another. I Hope AKD will bring the good governance that everyone dreaming.

ALbert Wednesday, 27 March 2024 11:16 AM

Nilmini Welwita is an ace ignorant one from the WAHALLU lot. Basil uneducated SEVALAYA NEVER WORKED BILLIONAIRE after robbing the poor only appeals to WAHALLU. I observe another ex milko fool always WALK BEHIND THE ACE CROOK MR. IF RW JETTISONED THE RAJAPAKSA LOT HE WOULD HAVE STOOD A BETTER CHANCE.HIS INABILITY TO GO AFTER THEM HAS TO BE UNDERSTOOD AS THE MAN WHO PLAYED HIM OUT WHO HAS NO SCRUPLES MR ELEVATED RW.NOT OUT OF LOVE BUT TO SAVE HIMSELF AND THE CORRUPT FAMILY. RW WILL BE NO 3.

Ben Ratnayake Wednesday, 27 March 2024 10:45 PM

This dubious fellow testing the water before jumping in. People should not trust a single word he utters.

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Presidential Election in October first week

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