City
Epaper

Campaigning ends for SL presidential election

By IANS | Updated: November 14, 2019 10:45 IST

Clean governance, boosting economic growth and ensuring national security were at the forefront of key messages delivered by Sri Lanka's presidential contenders, as they ended their campaigns ahead of the vote on Saturday.

Open in App

All presidential election campaigns concluded on Wednesday midnight.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna's (SLPP) Gotabaya Rajapaksa, New Democratic Front's (NDF) Sajith Premadasa, National People's Power's (NPP) Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and National People's Movement's (NPM) Mahesh Senanayake gave a synopsis of their key policies and targets to their supporters ahead of the deadline, reports the Daily Financial Times.

Rajapaksa, who addressed his final rally in Homagama on Wednesday, vowed to carry out all the commitments he made in his election manifesto if he was elected President.

The former Defence Minister invited all citizens to join in the challenge of rebuilding the country and he stressed that the priority of his presidency would be to protect national security.

Meanwhile, Premadasa concentrated on social safety nets to be provided if he was elected, support for local businesses and strengthening national security.

"Within 48 hours of winning the election on November 16, I will categorise the tourism industry as an export industry, and make available to it all relief provided to the export sector," he told supporters in a rally.

Dissanayake, speaking in Maharagama, pledged to uphold democratic rights and create a country free from corruption and extremism, declaring himself as the cleanest candidate.

Addressing a rally in Colombo, Senanayake vowed to remove the legal immunity that prevents the President, Prime Minister, and Cabinet Ministers from being held accountable for any actions that could lead to corruption.

Although a record 35 candidates are in the fray for Saturday's election, the race is essentially between Rajapaksa and Premadasa, who hail from two powerful families in the island nation.

For the first time in Sri Lanka, no sitting president, prime minister or leader of opposition is contesting the election.

The Tamils are unlikely to vote for Rajapaksa, over the alleged war crimes during the civil war, and the deaths and disappearances. The minorities appear to be favouring Premadasa.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: Sajith PremadasaMahesh SenanayakeNational PeopleSri Lanka
Open in App

Related Stories

InternationalSri Lanka Orders Shorter Work Week, Promotes Remote Work to Tackle Fuel Shortage as West Asia War Leads to Crisis

Entertainment“I Love Reading Books by the Beach”, Poonam Pandey Reveals Her Exotic Birthday Celebration Plans in Sri Lanka!

CricketGary Kirsten Appointed Sri Lanka Men’s Team Head Coach After Sanath Jayasuriya Steps Down

CricketEngland Beat New Zealand by 4 Wickets in Super 8 Clash To Keep Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 Semifinal Hopes Alive (VIDEO)

CricketMatt Henry Set To Leave Home After England vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Match, Here’s Why

International Realted Stories

InternationalFinland set to close its Embassy in Pakistan amid strategic concerns

InternationalHow Philippines succeeded in limiting Chinese coercion in Second Thomas Shoal

International"48 hours before all hell will rain": Trump's ultimatum to Iran to make deal, open Hormuz

InternationalIran's IRGC says hit Israel-linked vessel, ship ablaze

InternationalIran authorises passage of ships carrying essential goods to its ports through Hormuz