Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka Declares Presidential Candidacy to Crush Corruption

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, Sri Lanka's former Army chief, announced his candidacy for the upcoming Presidential election. Fonseka vows to eradicate corruption and boost the economy. The election date, which will be between September 17 and October 16, will be announced soon. Other notable candidates have also declared their intention to run.

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, the former Army chief of Sri Lanka known for leading the military offensive that dismantled the LTTE, has formally declared his candidacy for the upcoming Presidential election. Fonseka has vowed to tackle corruption and enhance the economy if elected.

The Presidential election in Sri Lanka is set to occur between September 17 and October 16, with the exact date to be announced shortly.

'I wish to announce my candidacy for the Presidency to the people of Sri Lanka,' Fonseka declared in a post on X. He criticized the political leadership of the past 76 years, calling them inept and responsible for the nation's economic struggles. Fonseka emphasized the need to leverage Sri Lanka's natural resources to boost income generation amid his official candidacy announcement.

This marks Fonseka's second bid for the Presidency, following a significant defeat in the 2010 election against then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa. At 73, Fonseka calls on all Sri Lankans to join his mission to make Sri Lanka a corruption-free nation.

Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has also entered the race, considering it crucial for the nation's future. He intends to continue his ministerial duties while campaigning.

Main opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, Marxist JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe are also key contestants. The Elections Commission noted that the date for the presidential election would be confirmed on Friday, and it disclaims responsibility for speculative remarks by various parties about the poll date.