Marxist-leaning parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is leading the contest, according to the latest opinion poll, called for voters to back him to reduce poverty and fight corruption.
“Hundreds of thousands of people have gathered with us because they hope for a better future. The first step of that journey will begin on 22 September,” he told a gathering in Galle, a tourist hot spot in southern Sri Lanka.
Sajith Premadasa, the current opposition leader, pledged to ease the cost of living for Sri Lankans and promote tourism and agriculture exports.
“We will build a country that will give prosperity to everyone and give the millions who are now struggling a decent life,” Premadasa said.
The election’s result is expected to be announced on Sunday with a new president sworn in shortly after.
