2019 Sri Lankan presidential election

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 | Political | Election | PresidentalElection |
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
Published: 
4 min read

The 2019 Sri Lankan presidential election, held on November 16, 2019, was a pivotal moment in the nation's political landscape. This election came in the wake of the tragic Easter Sunday bombings, which had shaken the country earlier that year. National security became a central issue, with many citizens seeking strong leadership to address growing concerns about safety and stability. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the candidate from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and former Defense Secretary, focused his campaign on restoring security and revitalizing the economy. His appeal to the majority Sinhalese Buddhist population, along with his role in ending the civil war, played a key part in garnering widespread support. Rajapaksa promised a tough approach to terrorism and a more robust national defense strategy. His main opponent, Sajith Premadasa of the United National Party (UNP), ran on a platform of economic reform, social welfare, and inclusivity. Premadasa sought to address issues like poverty and unemployment while maintaining a focus on development and equality. The election saw a high voter turnout of over 80%, with Gotabaya Rajapaksa securing 52.25% of the vote compared to Premadasa’s 41.99%. Rajapaksa's victory marked the return of the powerful Rajapaksa family to political prominence, as his brother, Mahinda Rajapaksa, had served as president from 2005 to 2015. This result signaled a shift towards a more nationalist and security-focused governance model, with Rajapaksa pledging to address both internal security concerns and economic challenges. #MomentsOfLife #MoofLife_Moment #MoofLife#SriLankaElection2019 #GotabayaRajapaksa #SajithPremadasa #NationalSecurity #EconomicRevival
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