Advertisements in leading newspapers today have fueled speculations about business tycoon Dhammika Perera's potential bid for the presidency, as he announced his plan to provide free coding lessons to approximately 40,000 students.

The airbrushed image of Perera featured in the ads has drawn attention to his political ambitions, especially considering his existing role as a parliamentarian and a former brief stint as a minister under former President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

The eye-catching advertisements, occupying full-color, full-page spaces in newspapers, have raised eyebrows, with critics questioning the motivations behind such a grand-scale initiative. The total cost of the coding lessons, estimated at LKR 2.5 million, is close to the expense incurred for these high-profile newspaper ads, adding to the intrigue surrounding the move.

Dhammika Perera, a prominent business magnate and a well-known figure in Sri Lanka's corporate landscape, has garnered significant attention over the years for his massive business ventures, controversies and philanthropic activities.