Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ As Sri Lanka gears up for its crucial presidential election scheduled for September 21, 2024, the National Election Commission has reported a noteworthy development. The commission announced that a total of 36 candidates have deposited their candidacies in the presidential polls. This diverse array includes representatives from 19 recognized political parties, 16 independent candidates, and one candidate from other political affiliations. The variety of candidates in the upcoming election underscores the dynamic political landscape of Sri Lanka. Each candidate brings unique perspectives and policy proposals, aiming to address the nation’s pressing issues. Accordingly, the extensive list of contenders also highlights the importance of well-regulated campaign financing and transparent electoral practices.
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Namal Rajapaksa enters the presidential polls
Among the prominent names contesting this high-stakes election is Namal Rajapaksa, who has been nominated by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), the party closely associated with the Rajapaksa family. Namal Rajapaksa, a key figure in Sri Lankan politics and the son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, represents the SLPP’s bid for the presidency following the withdrawal of the initially expected candidate, Dhammika Perera. Perera’s withdrawal due to personal reasons prompted the SLPP to officially nominate Rajapaksa on August 7. Accordingly, the SLPP’s General Secretary, Sagara Kariyawasam, formally placed the required security deposit for Namal Rajapaksa’s candidacy on August 14, 2024. Kariyawasam underscored the significance of this action, describing it as a pivotal moment in their campaign, with aspirations for Rajapaksa to be inaugurated as the ninth president by September 22. The nomination process, set to commence the day after the deposit deadline, will mark the beginning of an intense election campaign.
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Campaign funding and government money
For the 2024 presidential election, the election process demands that each candidate place a security deposit to signify their official candidacy. Accordingly, understanding the financial aspects of this election, including campaign funding and the role of public and government money, is also essential. Political campaign funding encompasses various financial sources, including federal funds and private contributions. Federal funding refers to money allocated from government sources to support electoral processes, ensuring transparency and fairness. Public funding websites often provide information on how these funds are distributed and utilized, fostering accountability. As the election approaches, government funds, particularly those designated for electoral purposes, play a critical role in maintaining an equitable playing field.
Major parties vying for the polls
In addition to Rajapaksa, other notable candidates include Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the National People’s Power (NPP), President Ranil Wickremesinghe running as an independent, and Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). This quartet is expected to shape the primary contours of the presidential race. Furthermore, the 2024 Sri Lankan presidential election promises to be a significant event, with 36 candidates vying for the presidency. With Namal Rajapaksa representing the SLPP and other key figures in the race, the election will test the robustness of Sri Lanka’s democratic institutions and the effectiveness of its campaign financing regulations. As the National Election Commission prepares for the nomination phase, the focus will shift to ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.
Full list of the presidential nominees
Here is the complete list of the 36 presidential nominees vying for the presidency: The 36 candidates who have placed their cash deposits for the Presidential Election are President Ranil Wickremesinghe as an independent candidate; former MP Sarath Keerthiratne as an independent candidate; Oshala Herath from the Abhinawa Niwahal Peramuna; A.S.P. Liyanage from the Sri Lanka Workers Party; MP Sajith Premadasa from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya; P.W.S.K. Bandaranayaka from the National Development Front; MP Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe from the National Democratic Front; K.K. Piyadasa as an independent candidate; Sirithunga Jayasuriya from the United Socialist Party; Ajantha De Soyza from the Ruhunu Janatha Peramuna; and K. Ananda Kularathna as an independent candidate.
Additionally, Sarath Manamendra from the New Sihala Urumaya; Ven. Battaramulle Seelarathana Thera from the Janasetha Front; Ven. Akmeemana Dayarathana Thera as an independent candidate; Siripala Amarasinghe as an independent candidate; K. R. Krishan from the Arunalu Janatha Peramuna; Sarath Fonseka as an independent candidate; Anura Kumara Dissanayake from the National People’s Power; Pani Wijesiriwardena from the Socialist Equality Party; Antony Victor Perera as an independent candidate; Ahidurus Muhammad Illyas as an independent candidate and Marakkala Manage Pemasiri as an independent candidate; and Anura Sydney Jayaratne as an independent candidate;
The list also includes D.M. Bandaranayaka as an independent candidate; Priyantha Pushpakumara Wickramasingha from New Sama Samaja party; M. Thilakaraja as an independent candidate; J.D.K. Wickramaratne from Ape Janabala Party; Roshan Ranasinghe as an independent candidate; Mahinda Dewage from Sri Lanka Socialist Party; Anoj De Silva from Democratic United National Front; P. Ariyanethran as an independent candidate; Muhammad Infas from United Democratic Alliance; Dilith Jayaweera from the Sarvajana Balaya Party; Nuwan Bopage from the Jana Aragalaya Sandanaya; Namal Rajapaksa from the Samabima Party; and Chaminda Anuruddha as an independent candidate.
