Prospective candidates should submit their nomination papers during 9-11 am (Sri Lanka Time) on 17 December, 2009 at the election commissioner’s office in Colombo.

	Gen Fonseka is endorsed by the opposition UNP and the JVP

Objections against nomination papers can be filed on the same day during 9-11:30 am, the elections commissioner announced.

The incumbent president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, has decided to call the vote nearly two years earlier than necessary.

While President Mahinda Rajapaksa is expected to contest from the ruling alliance, two main opposition parties have endorsed former military chief, Gen Sarath Fonseka as opposition’s “common candidate”.

Roads re-opened

Both President Rajapaksa and Gen Fonseka are yet to formally announce their candidacy.

BBC's Charles Haviland in Colombo says Gen Fonseka appears to be gearing up for a political career, appearing in public clothed in white and courting the media with interviews pledging things like ethnic harmony and an end to police corruption.

Meanwhile massive cut-outs of President Rajapaksa are appearing in Colombo and bunting in his party’s colour, blue, is adorning the streets.

	President Rajapaksa's political ally in 2005 currently supports Gen Fonseka

The government has also suddenly announced it will end a longstanding practice of closing the streets when VIP car convoys pass, and has opened up some of the roads that were closed for security reasons.

Dr. Vickramabahu Karunanarathne, the leader of the Left Front, and the leader of United Socialist Party Sirithunga Jayasuriya are the only candidates so far to formally announce their bids to be Sri Lanka's next head of state.

Candidates not representing a recognised political party should submit a letter signed by the General Secretary of the parliament stating that s/he is a member of the parliament or has previously served as an MP.

A candidate from a recognised political party should deposit Rs. 50,000 while any other candidate should deposit Rs. 75,000. The deposit should be handed over before 12 noon on 16 December.

1,40,88,500 voters are registered, according to 2008 registration, to vote at the 2010 presidential polls.