Vote for new President on 21 September 

• ECSL announces elections will be held on 21 September while nominations will be accepted on 15 August
• Urges all parties to review gazette and relevant legislation before making unfounded statements that may erode public confidence
• President Ranil Wickremesinghe, A.S.P. Liyanage, Oshala Herath, Sarath Keerthirathne place cash deposits for candidacy 
• Battaramulle Seelarathana Thera leaves ECSL premises without making the deposit after forgetting to bring along necessary funds

The Election Commission has issued a Gazette notification announcing the dates for the 2024 Presidential Election and the acceptance of nominations.

According to the notification, the Presidential Election will be held on 21 September 2024, and nominations will be accepted on 15 August 2024.

He added that during this period, applications for postal voting will also be accepted. The Election Chief mentioned that other relevant preparations for the election will also be undertaken at this time.

The Election Commission also started accepting deposits for the upcoming Presidential Election yesterday, with the deadline set for noon on 14 August. Deposits can be made during business hours from 8.30 a.m. to 4.15 p.m. at the commission’s office.

       Rathnayake addressing the media yesterday emphasised the procedural integrity of the commission’s decision-making process, stating that the Election Commission operates strictly within the framework of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the President’s Election Act No. 15 of 1981. He assured that the commission does not yield to external pressures or requests.

         Responding to recent criticisms and allegations of undue influence, Rathnayake defended the choice of 21 September as the Election Day, citing logistical and practical considerations. “Most private sector employees have a day off later in the day on Saturdays, making it easier for them to vote. This decision also minimises disruption to schools and allows government employees to fulfil their civic duty over the weekend.”

Rathnayake called on the public and stakeholders to trust in the Election Commission’s commitment for transparency and fairness. “We urge all parties to review the gazette and relevant legislation before making unfounded statements that may erode public confidence. We have a duty to uphold the trust of the 17.1 million voters in our country,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Former Deputy Minister Sarath Keerthirathne was the first to make his deposit soon after the announcement by the commission.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe also placed the cash deposit as an independent candidate. Ronald Perera PC placed the bond on behalf of President Ranil Wickremesinghe as an independent candidate for the upcoming Presidential Election.

Activist Oshala Herath and businessman A.S.P. Liyanage both placed cash deposits, while Battaramulle Seelarathana Thera left the premises without making the deposit after forgetting to bring along the necessary funds.