Colombo, Sep 22 (IANS) Sri Lanka’s National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, 55, could become the country’s first leftist head of state, speculations are rife based on indications from early trends in the presidential election.
If he maintains his lead, Dissanayake is expected to be sworn in as Sri Lanka’s 9th Acting President on Sunday following a formal declaration by the Election Commission, reports the Daily Mirror.
Sri Lanka has extended a curfew until Sunday noon in view of the ongoing vote counting, according to Public Security Minister Tiran Alles. The curfew was previously imposed from 10 pm on Saturday to 6 am on Sunday.
Police said authorities took the step to ensure public safety despite the peaceful situation following the 2024 presidential election. According to police, the president imposed the curfew using powers conferred by the Public Safety Act.
Additionally, the government has declared Monday (September 23) a special public holiday, confirmed Pradeep Yasarathne, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs.
A total of 39 candidates are contesting in the much-anticipated election, held after the island nation’s worst economic crisis, including incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa (Samagi Jana Balawegaya) party and Marxist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake (Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna party). The election results are being keenly watched in the region.
Out of a total population of 22 million, 17,140,350 Sri Lankans were eligible to exercise their franchise in this election. This included 1.2 million new voters. Voting began at 7 am on Saturday at 3,421 polling stations across the country and ended at 4 pm.
-IANS
RK/KR
