This is Sri Lanka’s 1st presidential election since its 2022 economic crisis. A 2nd round of counting is likely, a first in Sri Lankan history. Results expected by Sunday noon.
Tamils are Sri Lanka's largest minority group & usually vote as one block, but this time their vote is fractured. Plus, the 3 front-runners need significant Tamil support to reach majority.
Voting is underway at 13,134 polling stations in Sri Lanka, began at 7 am and will close at 4 pm local time. The counting of votes is expected to begin at 9:30 pm local time.
Sri Lankan transition was smoothly managed. Check Bangladesh for contrast. They forced their incumbent into exile, installed a mostly unelectable govt of non-political people.
Voters in Sri Lanka have to rank up to 3 candidates in order of preference. Candidate with 50% votes is declared winner; if nobody gets clear majority, race will boil down to top two candidates.
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, credited with fixing the nation’s economy, is up against 37 other candidates in Saturday's presidential poll.
UK's statement at the 57th Human Rights Council reiterated need for the Sri Lankan govt to build a conducive environment for for meaningful reconciliations and transitional justice.
The elections, with 39 candidates in fray, will be watched by India, China & West. Its location makes it key player in India’s Neighbourhood First policy & broader vision for Indian Ocean.
The concern is not that 2025’s rally was irrational, but that it may be difficult to repeat. Outlooks remain anchored to AI investment and growth without reigniting inflation.
If deal goes through, Greece will be 2nd foreign country to procure vehicle. Morocco was first; TATA Group has set up manufacturing unit there with minimum 30 percent indigenous content.
Many of you might think I got something so wrong in National Interest pieces written this year. I might disagree! But some deserve a Mea Culpa. I’d deal with the most recent this week.
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