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Sri Lanka presidential polls today: Despite 35 candidates in fray, voters face difficult task of picking 'lesser of two evils'

Even though there are 35 candidates in the fray for the Sri Lanka presidential election, the election has come down to a race between two candidates — Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Sajith Premadasa

Sri Lankan presidential polls to be held between 15 November and 7 December; Maithripala Sirisena’s term to end in January 2020

The presidential elections in Sri Lanka would be held between 15 November and 7 December, one month before the end of the current president's term, as per constitutional provisions

Sri Lanka's major political parties, EC member move SC against Maithripala Sirisena to challenge his dissolution of Parliament

Sirisena dissolved Parliament on 9 October and announced snap polls on 5 January next year after it became evident that he did not have enough support in the House to prove the premiership of 72-year-old Mahinda Rajapaksa, whom he has appointed prime minister after abruptly sacking Ranil Wickremesinghe on 26 October.

Sri Lanka president Maithripala Sirisena says Parliament dissolved to prevent clashes among rival lawmakers

In an address to the nation, Sirisena outlined the reasons for dissolving parliament almost two years ahead of schedule. Sirisena's decision was criticised by ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, some political parties and civil society groups as unconstitutional and illegal.

Uncertainty continues in Sri Lanka as President Maithripala Sirisena dissolves Parliament; all eyes now on Supreme Court

The Sri Lanka Supreme Court's determination of any case brought before it may be key in deciding how long the current crisis will continue.

Sri Lanka Speaker presses for floor test to resolve crisis, says status quo before Ranil Wickremesinghe's sacking to be considered

Sri Lanka Speaker Karu Jayasuriya's remarks came two days after he slammed President Sirisena, saying it was "anti-democratic" to sack Ranil Wickremesinghe and suspend the Parliament, and asserted that he will not recognise Rajapaksa as the premier unless it is proved by a floor test.

Maithripala Sirisena, Mahinda Rajapaksa to decide on fate of Tamil prisoners in Sri Lanka 'soon', says PM's son Namal

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa's legislator son Namal indicated that the long-held demand of the Tamil minority community in Sri Lanka to release all Tamil prisoners may be fulfilled soon, a move aimed at persuading the Tamil legislators to support Rajapaksa.

Mahinda Rajapaksa assumes charge as new Sri Lanka PM as President Maithripala Sirisena summons diplomats for briefing

Ranil Wickremesinghe continues to remain in his Temple Trees office cum residence of the prime minister.

Sri Lanka president Maithripala Sirisena says Ranil Wickremesinghe's was sacked as prime minister due to arrogance

Maithripala Sirisena on Friday night sacked Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Sri Lanka prime minister and appointed Mahindra Rajapaksato to the post, and the next day, he suspended Parliament till 16 November.

Sri Lankan Speaker recognises Ranil Wickremesinghe as PM, urges President Maithripala Sirisena to reconsider his sacking

In a letter to Sirisena, Jayasuriya questioned Sirisena's decision to suspend the House until 16 November, saying it will have "serious and undesirable" consequences on the country. He asked the president to restore Wickremesinghe's privileges as the leader of the government who has "obtained a mandate to secure democracy and good governance”.