REFUGEE

Dec 14, Colombo: Twelve candidates including the incumbent President Rajapaksa intend to contest the upcoming presidential polls next month, the Election Secretariat said today.

The Election Secretariat said 12 persons have already deposited money to contest polls to be held on January 26, 2010.

The incumbent President, Mahinda Rajapaksa who is contesting from the ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) paid his deposit on December 7th.

The other candidates include the main opposition candidate General Sarath Fonseka, Sirithunga Jayasooriya, Wickramabahu Karunaratna, M.D. Thaminimulla, J.A. Peter Nelson, Sarath Mamamenthira, Bathramulle Seelarathana Thero, Asala Suraweera, A.P.S.A.Liyanage, Vijey Dias, and I.M.Illiyas.

Meanwhile the Deputy Minister of Education, M.M. Mustafa also announced his desire to enter the race.

The last day to pay the deposits is Wednesday, December 16 by noon. Nomination of Candidates will take place from 9.00 a.m. to 11 a.m. on December 17th, at the Elections Secretariat in Rajagiriya.