Sri Lanka's Elections Commission announced on Wednesday night that the country's presidential elections will be held on Nov. 16.

The election date is set nearly two months before the incumbent's term ends. In a special gazette notification, the Elections Commission said candidates could present their nominations on Oct. 7.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's ruling United National Party (UNP) will name its candidate next week, UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said in a statement earlier on Wednesday.

Elections Commission officials said that there could be a record 18 candidates in this year's presidential polls.

Xinhua