Samadhi Paramitha Brahmananayake reflects on her experience during the mass protests in Sri Lanka’s capital in 2022, where she camped with thousands of others demanding change. Looking at the now lush green field where the protest tents once stood, the 33-year-old Colombo-based banker expresses disbelief at how far they’ve come. Two years after ousting a deeply unpopular leader, Sri Lankans are preparing to vote in their first presidential election since the “aragalaya” (Sinhalese for struggle), which was driven by the country’s worst economic crisis. Inflation had soared to 70%, and essentials like food, cooking gas, and medicine were scarce.
The then-president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, was blamed for the crisis and fled the country just before protesters stormed his residence. Protesters, including 28-year-old Mithun Jayawardana, who joined the movement out of frustration over joblessness and lack of basic resources, celebrated by swimming in the presidential pool. Now, Mithun acknowledges the importance of the upcoming election: “We need a president elected by the people,” he says, noting that the current president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, was appointed following Rajapaksa’s resignation.
Wickremesinghe, who has served as prime minister six times, is running for re-election as an independent candidate. Despite having never won a presidential election before, he is now tasked with leading Sri Lanka through a tough period of economic reform. However, many associate him with the Rajapaksa political dynasty, which has dominated the country's politics for decades and is widely blamed for Sri Lanka’s financial collapse. In fact, the top court recently held Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his brother Mahinda, along with other former leaders, responsible for the crisis.
Still, a Rajapaksa is contesting the upcoming election. Namal Rajapaksa, the son of Mahinda Rajapaksa, denies any wrongdoing by his family, stating, “We know our hands are clean.” He insists that voters should decide for themselves. His campaign has drawn crowds in certain regions, where the Rajapaksa name continues to hold sway.
A record 38 candidates are running in the September 21 election, none of them women. Among the top contenders is Sajith Premadasa, the opposition leader who narrowly lost to Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2019. He has promised to improve conditions for the poor and increase taxes on the rich. Another prominent candidate is Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the leftist National People’s Party, whose anti-corruption platform has resonated with voters. His rallies have drawn large crowds, signaling strong support for his message of good governance and change.
As Sri Lankans grapple with high taxes, rising living costs, and a $92 billion debt burden, the election’s focus remains squarely on the economy. Rangika Munasinghe, a 35-year-old mother, struggles with the rising cost of basic goods like milk powder. Meanwhile, elderly citizens like Mohamed Rajabdeen work multiple jobs just to make ends meet. Despite the hardships, there is a newfound sense of empowerment among the people, brought about by the 2022 protests. Buwanaka Perera, a 28-year-old political activist, notes that people are now more vocal in challenging the status quo. Similarly, climate and political activist Melani Gunathilaka sees hope in the societal changes sparked by the movement, as more citizens are actively engaging in the political process.
The presidential race now includes Wickremesinghe, Dissanayake, Premadasa, and Namal Rajapaksa, each representing different visions for Sri Lanka’s future. Wickremesinghe is seen by some as an ally of the Rajapaksa family, while Dissanayake’s anti-corruption stance has gained him popularity. Premadasa continues his campaign for economic justice, and Namal Rajapaksa is working to reclaim his family’s political influence despite lingering public discontent over their role in the economic crisis.