President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that the 26 January polls are "very crucial" for Sri Lanka's future journey

Addressing a gathering at the president's house in Anuradhapura, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that the 26 January polls are "very crucial" for Sri Lanka.

"This is an election in which it will be decided whether we will protect democracy or pave the way for a dictatorship," he said.

'Answerable to the public'

Without directly mentioning his main rival, Gen Sarath Fonseka, the president said those joined hand against him are not answerable to any political party or a group.

I am answerable to the voting public though a political party and alliance. Not only the voting public, I am answerable to everybody in Sri Lanka President Rajapaksa

"This is very serious," President Rajapaksa said.

"I am answerable to the voting public though a political party and alliance. Not only the voting public, I am answerable to everybody in Sri Lanka."

President Rajapaksa called a snap election in an attempt to get a mandate for a second term.

His former military commander, Gen Fonseka, is the main opposition candidate who is entering politics as a novice.

Both are trying to exploit the military victory over Tamil Tigers.

20 other candidates are also contesting to become the next head of state of Sri Lanka.