President Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued directives for government officials to curtail foreign travel significantly in preparation for the upcoming presidential election, citing the need for their presence in domestic political activities. The move comes as the United National Party (UNP), under President Wickremesinghe's leadership, gears up for a vigorous campaign leading up to the election, following the May Day rally.

The UNP is strategizing to leverage the May Day rally as a major platform to kick-start its political efforts aimed directly at the presidential polls.
In an effort to bolster support, the party is engaging in extensive meetings with various professional groups across the country.

President Wickremesinghe, expected to contest the election representing a broad coalition, has garnered substantial backing from a significant number of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Members of Parliament.
However, internal divisions within the SLPP persist, with one faction advocating for an independent candidate.When approached for comment, UNP Chairman MP Vajira Abeywardena asserted that no other candidate could match the President's international standing.
Regarding potential alliances with the SLPP, Abeywardena emphasized the President's capability to collaborate with any party, emphasizing his unique ability to achieve results beyond other leaders' reach.