The Sunday Times Analysis

A predominantly paddy cultivating district, Anuradhapura seems to be strongly leaning towards Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Mahinda Rajapaksa comfortably carried the district with 53.59 percent of the overall vote at the 2015 Presidential Election while the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) also won the district in the Parliamentary Election held later that year.

With Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) teaming up with the one-time rival Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) to support Gotabaya Rajapaksa, there is belief that SLFP voters would also back Mr Rajapaksa.

However, the hostile reception SLFP MPs received from SLPP supporters at Mr Rajapaksa’s inaugural campaign rally in Anuradhapura has resulted in many SLFP activists at ground level keeping away from the campaign.

Voters here are voicing frustration at what they say has been a lack of interest in developing their district, where job opportunities continue to be limited. The high cost of living is a definite concern.

Given that the district suffered heavily during the civil war, national security continues to be another main issue and a majority of voters are likely to cast their franchise for a candidate who they believe will ensure security. In the district several organisations representing disabled ex- servicemen have also lent their support for Mr Rajapaksa.

These issues, taken together with past election results, indicate that the district is a safe bet for Mr Rajapaksa.