evidence: Sri Lanka is gearing up for its first Presidential election after the Island nation was hit by massive economic/political turmoil in 2022. On July 26, the Independent Election Commission of Sri Lanka, after months of speculations, announced that the ninth Presidential election of the country is scheduled to be held on September 21. A record 38 candidates will compete in this month's election, which will shape the nation's political and economic future. [...] On 29 August, the incumbent President Wickremesinghe unveiled his election manifesto titled ‘Five years of winning the country with Ranil.’ The manifesto "is built around five core principles consisting of; The Theravada Trade Economy (which flourished during Anuradhapura Kingdom), Operation – Beyond 2025, Towards a Prosperous Nation, A Win for the Motherland, and A United Sri Lanka was first presented to religious leaders, led by the Maha Sangha and then to the youth of the country by Wickremesinghe." [27] Wickremesinghe highlighted that his plan focuses on lowering the cost of living, generating employment, offering tax relief, fostering economic growth, and introducing initiatives to guarantee that every citizen has the opportunity to own land and a home. [28] SLPP Presidential candidate Namal officially launched his election manifesto titled ‘Namal Dekma’ on 2 September focusing on four main thrust areas – state priorities, innovation, investment and independence. [29] On the other hand, opposition SJB leader Premadasa will reportedly release his election manifesto titled ‘Win For All’ on 04 September.