Colombo. Presidential elections are to be held in Sri Lanka on September 21. This election is being held at a time when the island nation is facing an economic crisis. About 2 years ago, former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had to leave the country after a public uprising, after which Ranil Wickremesinghe took the reins of Sri Lanka in his hands by winning the parliamentary vote.

Ranil Wickremesinghe will take over as president in 2022. The 2024 election is a crucial step in deciding the future of reforms in the economically weak nation. For the first time in Sri Lanka's history, a record 39 candidates are in the fray. More than 17 million people are eligible to vote.

Ranil Wickremesinghe will take over as president in 2022. The 2024 election is a crucial step in deciding the future of reforms in the economically weak nation. For the first time in Sri Lanka's history, a record 39 candidates are in the fray. More than 17 million people are eligible to vote.

Among the faces involved in the race for Sri Lanka's presidential election, there are some candidates on whom all eyes are on. It is believed that the main contest is between 4 to 5 candidates. Let us tell you that the most prominent name in this is that of the current President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is contesting the election as an independent candidate this time.

Ranil Wickremesinghe

His party has only one seat in Parliament and will need to garner support from major parties to boost his chances.

The public is very happy with his efforts to reduce inflation.

On the other hand, there is resentment against MFs due to the increase in taxes imposed for taking loans from them.

Sajith Premadasa

Sajith Premadasa, son of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, leads the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) or SJB

His party has announced changes to a $2.9 billion bailout programme with the IMF.

His party has also joined hands with some smaller parties which have the support of Muslims and.

Anura Kumar Dissanayake

The 55-year-old leader, who has just three seats in Parliament, is set to keep anti-corruption measures as his main focus.

He will contest the election under the National People's Power or NPP alliance, which includes his Marxist-leaning party the People's Liberation Front or PLF.

Mr Dissanayake led in the voting with 36%, followed by Mr Premadasa and Mr Wickremesinghe in third place.

Namal Rajapaksa

Namal Rajapaksa comes from the same political family which is considered responsible for the ruin of Sri Lanka. Let us tell you that he is the son of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Before Namal's candidature, the 38-year-old Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party was supporting Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Namal is the youngest candidate and is promising jobs and a better economy to woo young voters.

Nuwan Bopage

Nuwan Bopage, 40, is the presidential candidate of the People's Struggle Alliance, or PSA.

He has taken a strong anti-corruption stance, supporting more pro-poor policies

Sri Lanka has conflicted with the IMF program's terms.