In Sri Lanka, a record number of 35 candidates are in fray for the Presidential elections scheduled for 16th of next month. The candidates including former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapksa, minister Sajith Premadasa and former army chief Mahesh Senanayake filed their nominations before the elections commission this morning. A total of 41 candidates had submitted security deposits but six did not file their nominations.<br />''<span style="color: #222222;"><br />''The main contest is expected between Gotabaya Rajapaksa, brother of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Sajith Premadasa, son of late President R. Premadasa. This is the first time that neither sitting President nor the leader of opposition are contesting the elections. President Maithripala Sirisena's Sri Lanka Freedom party (SLFP) has not announced which side it will support. Leader of opposition Mahinda Rajapksa is not eligible for elections and his party Sri Lanka People's party (SLPP) has fielded Gotabaya Rajapaksha as its candidate. SLPP broke away from SLFP after Sirisena emerged victorious against Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2015 elections. Sajith Premadasa represents the alliance of United National Party (UNP) led by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe. National security and economic stability have emerged as key factors in the coming elections.</span><br />