In three days, Sri Lanka will hold its presidential election, with Sajith Premadasa emerging as a leading contender. The 57-year-old politician, who leads the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party, is vying for the top position in a country facing significant economic challenges.
Premadasa's journey in politics began after a tragic event. His father, Ranasinghe Premadasa, who held the presidency, was assassinated in a suicide bombing on May 1, 1993. This incident occurred during a tumultuous period in Sri Lanka's history, as the country was in the midst of a civil war that lasted from 1983 to 2009.
After completing his studies at the London School of Economics, an institution founded in 1895, Premadasa entered parliament in 2000. His political career progressed through various roles, including deputy health minister and minister of housing construction and cultural affairs.
In 2019, Premadasa made his first bid for the presidency, securing 42% of the votes but finishing second to Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The political landscape has since shifted dramatically, with Rajapaksa's resignation in 2022 amid widespread protests triggered by an economic crisis that led to Sri Lanka declaring bankruptcy.
Premadasa's SJB party, formed in 2020, advocates for a blend of interventionist and free-market economic policies. The party has proposed modifications to the $2.9 billion International Monetary Fund bailout program, aiming to address the cost of living concerns in a country where the economy heavily relies on sectors like tourism and tea production.
"Ranil shrunk the economy, and people are suffering without even four square meals. Some have lost their livelihoods, and there's no one to represent them. We will build a new, clean government of the people and restore the dignity of all Sri Lankans."
The upcoming election features 38 candidates, but analysts identify three frontrunners: Premadasa, incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, and Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Recent polls show Premadasa in a competitive position, with strong support among Tamil and Muslim minorities who have felt marginalized under previous administrations.
Sri Lanka, a country with a population of approximately 22 million and a high literacy rate of over 90%, faces numerous challenges. The nation, known for its eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and as the world's fourth-largest tea producer, is working to recover from recent economic setbacks exacerbated by events such as the 2019 Easter bombings and the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the election approaches, Premadasa's campaign emphasizes comprehensive reforms and empowerment initiatives across various sectors. The outcome of this election could significantly impact the direction of Sri Lanka's economic recovery and social policies in the coming years.