• Two former MPs and an environmentalist become first to officially join fray
• Two will contest as independent candidates; one will contest from Socialist Party
  
   

Two former MPs and an environmentalist became the first three presidential aspirants to pay their deposits to the Election Commission yesterday.

These included two former MPs Jayantha Katagoda and S. Amarasinghe who deposited Rs 75,000 each to contest as independent candidates, while environmentalist Dr. Ajantha Perera, who will contest on the Socialist Party of Sri Lanka ticket, paid the Rs. 50,000 deposit required from those contesting from political parties.

Those wishing to contest the election can pay their deposits till noon on 6 October. 

Nominations will be accepted on 7 October.

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