Early results from Sri Lanka's Presidential election indicate that Anura Kumara Dissanayake, 55, leader of the National People's Power (NPP), may become the country's first leftist head of state, as reported by local media.
If his lead holds, Dissanayake is expected to be sworn in as Sri Lanka's 9th Executive President later on Sunday, following a formal announcement by the Elections Commission, according to Daily Mirror.
In light of the ongoing vote count, Sri Lanka has extended its curfew until noon on Sunday, according to Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles.
Initially, the curfew was imposed from 10 p.m. on Saturday to 6 a.m. on Sunday.
Authorities took this measure to ensure public safety despite the peaceful situation following the 2024 Presidential election, the police said.
According to the police, the President invoked the curfew using powers granted by the Public Security Act.
Additionally, the government has declared Monday, September 23, 2024, as a special public holiday, as confirmed by Pradeep Yasarathne, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs.
The much-anticipated election, the first after the island nation's worst-ever economic crisis, saw a total of 39 candidates in the fray with incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party and Marxist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna party being considered the front-runners to the election, the results of which will be keenly watched in the region.
Out of the total population of around 22 million, 17,140,350 Sri Lankans were eligible to exercise their franchise at this election. This included 1.2 million new voters.
On Saturday, polling began at 7 a.m. at 3,421 polling centres across the country and ended at 4 p.m.
New Urban Community Health Centre to reduce patients rush in GBP Hospital: CM Dr Manik Saha
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Thursday laid foundation stone of 50-bed Urban Community Health Center here at Agartala and said that the present government is working diligently to improve health infrastructure and services in the state.
Govt determined to develop sports infrastructure in Tripura: CM Dr Manik Saha
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Thursday inaugurated football turf, athletics track and hockey ground here at Agartala Dasarath Deb Sports Complex at Badharghat and said that the government is determined to develop facilities and platform for sports persons in the state.
Mistake that benefits no one: World leaders react to Trump's 'reciprocal tariffs'
As US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on the so-called "reciprocal tariffs," the world reacted sharply against the decision, with some calling it a "mistake that benefits no one" while others called it a violation of Washington's obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Indian pharmaceutical exports get reprieve from Trump’s reciprocal tariffs
Because of the importance of India’s pharmaceuticals to US healthcare, those exports will get a reprieve from President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, according to the White House.
India stands less impacted by Trump tariffs than global peers: Industry
As US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries, including India, industry experts said on Thursday that it appears India's export competitiveness to the US market stands far less impacted on a relative basis compared to global peers.
IAF pilot killed, another critical as Jaguar fighter jet crashes in Gujarat
An Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot lost his life, while another sustained critical injuries after their two-seater Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Gujarat's Jamnagar Airfield, the IAF confirmed on Thursday.
PM Modi emplanes for Thailand; to attend BIMSTEC summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emplaned for Thailand on a state visit to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, with his visit also set to bolster bilateral relations between New Delhi and Bangkok.
Bhavan’s Little Learners celebrate annual programme
The Bhavan’s Little Learners, Bordowali celebrated annual programme and organised prize distribution ceremony here at Agartala Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan on Wednesday.