Sri Lanka to vote in first poll since economic collapse

Sri Lanka is set to hold its first presidential election since the 2022 economic crisis on Saturday. The vote is seen as a referendum on President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s IMF-backed austerity measures. He faces two main challengers, including Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, who has gained support with anti-corruption promises. The election, with 17.1 million eligible voters, will determine the nation’s political and economic direction. Analysts note public disappointment with governance, while the country still grapples with economic vulnerabilities despite some stabilization.READ FULL