Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said the new government intended to amend the Presidential Elections Act in order to limit the number of candidates running for the Presidency.

A record 35 candidates ran for the Presidency this year causing a severe financial burden on the government.

Over the past 10 years, Sri Lanka has seen a steep increase in the number of Presidential candidates.

Elections Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya has publicly urged the government to increase the cash deposits in order to restrict people from running for the presidency seeking perks and privileges that come with the candidacy.