Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe officially announced his candidacy for the upcoming presidential elections, scheduled for September 21. This marks a significant political moment as the country continues to recover from a major economic crisis.
Announcement of Candidacy:
Addressing a rally in Galle, President Wickremesinghe, 75, declared his intention to run for president, stating, “I declare that I will contest the presidential election having already paid my deposit to do so.” His announcement comes amidst speculation about his candidacy due to the weakened position of his United National Party (UNP).
Historical Context:
This will be the first presidential election since Sri Lanka’s severe economic crisis in 2022, which led to the ouster of the powerful Rajapaksa family. Wickremesinghe, who also serves as the country’s finance minister, took office in July 2022 after widespread protests forced his predecessor, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, to flee and resign.
Wickremesinghe’s Vision:
With a clear vision and unwavering determination to elevate our nation on the global stage and transform it into a prosperous and thriving country, I am proud to announce my candidacy for the upcoming presidential election. In a time when our nation was in chaos and on the brink…
— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) July 27, 2024
In a post on X, Wickremesinghe highlighted his achievements and vision: “With a clear vision and unwavering determination to elevate our nation on the global stage and transform it into a prosperous and thriving country, I am proud to announce my candidacy for the upcoming presidential election.”
He emphasized his efforts in stabilizing the country during its financial crisis: “In a time when our nation was in chaos and on the brink of bankruptcy, it was my love for this country and its people that drove me to take on the arduous task of rebuilding it.”
Election Details:
Nominations for the election are due by August 15. Wickremesinghe has already submitted his nomination and paid a non-refundable deposit to the election commission. The upcoming election will be closely watched as Sri Lanka continues to navigate its economic recovery and political landscape.
Conclusion:
President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s decision to run for re-election underscores his commitment to leading Sri Lanka through its ongoing recovery. As the election approaches, his campaign will likely focus on his role in stabilizing the nation’s economy and his vision for its future prosperity.
Key Takeaway:
Ranil Wickremesinghe’s candidacy in the upcoming presidential election highlights the significant political and economic challenges facing Sri Lanka, as well as the efforts to overcome them and restore stability to the nation.