Votes in Sri Lanka: A probable step to end uncertainty

New Delhi 14 November (VNI)Today, Sri Lankans began voting in a snap parliamentary election, marking the first significant test for the ruling National People's Power party under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. This election is critical for the new Marxist-leaning president to consolidate his party's power and fulfill promises of economic recovery. President Dissanayake’s recent victory in the presidential election on September 21 was seen as a rejection of the island nation’s traditional political parties, which have governed since independence from British rule in 1948.

Despite his win, Dissanayake did not secure over 50 percent of the votes, raising concerns about his party’s performance in Thursday’s election. Voting is taking place at over 13,314 polling stations across the country, and counting will begin shortly after polls close.

This election sees over 17 million of Sri Lanka’s 21 million people eligible to cast their votes for a 225-member Parliament that will serve a five-year term. President Dissanayake has also pledged to address historical grievances, including the return of land taken from Tamil communities by state agencies, a promise that resonates strongly with affected populations.