Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, who had campaigned to take part in a coalition government, vowed in his final campaign rally he would “put pressure” on Dissanayake to honour promises of tax cuts.
Poll monitors and analysts note that Thursday’s election had failed to generate the level of enthusiasm – or violence – seen at previous polls.
Political analyst Kusal Perera said there was little campaigning by opposition parties.
“The opposition is dead,” Perera said. “The result of the election is a foregone conclusion.”
Over 60 senior politicians from the previous administration have opted to stay out.
The outgoing parliament was dominated by the party of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa – the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), or the People’s Front – but it has since splintered.
Rajapaksa is not contesting, but his son Namal, a former sports minister, is seeking re-election.
