Sri Lanka is witnessing a historic moment as its presidential election heads into an unprecedented second round of counting. On Sunday, the Chairman of the Election Commission, R.M.A.L. Ratnayake, announced that none of the candidates secured the required majority of over 50 percent of votes in the initial round, triggering a further count in accordance with the Elections Act of 1981.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake, representing the National People’s Power (NPP), and Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawega (SJB) are poised to continue in the race as the leading contenders. In a surprising turn of events, incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe did not advance past the first round.
“This is a significant development in our electoral process,” Ratnayake commented, emphasizing the rare occurrence of a second round. He confirmed that all counting centers have been directed to proceed with the second and third preference counts and submit their findings to the commission without delay.
This election marks the first time in Sri Lanka’s history that the presidency will be decided by a second count after the leading candidates failed to achieve the mandatory majority. The nation now awaits the final results that will shape its political future.
(With input from agencies)
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Sri Lanka's presidential election enters second round of counting
cgtn.com
