1982 Sri Lankan presidential election
The Sri Lankan presidential election of 1982 was the first presidential election of Sri Lanka. Nominations were accepted on 17 September 1982, and the election was held on 20 October 1982. Electoral participation was 81.06%. The election was described as a fight between capitalism and socialism, Hector Kobbekaduwa who advocated to carry on the policies of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party - led regime from 1970-1977 was expected to undo most of the open market and capitalist reforms brought in by J. R. Jayewardene. Incumbent president Jayewardene of the governing United National Party was elected, receiving 53% of all votes cast. Although the SLFP lost they managed to win a significant number of votes in Tamil speaking areas such as Point Pedro.Results
National
Summary of the 1982 Sri Lankan presidential election
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