Sri Lanka votes in first poll since economic collapse: Video
Sri Lankans are voting in their first presidential election since the country's economic collapse two years ago, a pivotal moment following the unprecedented financial crisis.
This election also serves as a referendum on the unpopular austerity measures introduced by President Ranil Wickremesinghe under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout.
Several voters lined up at voting centres early Saturday morning to cast their vote.
Businessman Ganeshan Bhaskaran told AFP that he is hopeful that new leadership could stabilise the economy and curb the exodus of educated citizens.
Lawyer Soundarie David Rodrigo noted the critical nature of the election, saying she voted for stability after witnessing the country endure events such as the Easter bombings and the 2022 Aragalaya protests.
Wickremesinghe, who took office following the civil unrest in 2022, is seeking a new mandate to continue his economic reforms, which have helped restore stability after severe shortages of food, fuel, and medicine.
