Sri Lanka's Election Commission announced on Thursday (15) that it has accepted nominations from a record 39 candidates to run in the upcoming presidential election. 

This election is seen as crucial for determining the future of the country's financial reforms amid an unprecedented economic crisis.

The head of the Election Commission, R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, confirmed that all 39 applications were accepted. 

Thirty-five candidates contested the last presidential election in 2019.

This marks a significant milestone in the nation's electoral history. More than 17 million Sri Lankans are eligible to vote in the election, scheduled for September 21.

Among them are candidates from 22 recognized political parties, along with additional candidates from another political party and 16 independent candidates.

The acceptance of nominations commenced at 9 AM at theElection Secretariat in Rajagiriya, overseen by the chairman and members of the Election Commission

During the nomination process, objections were raised against three presidential candidates. 

However, these objections were subsequently rejected by the Election Commission.