While the economy has stabilised, many people are suffering as a result of austerity measures backed by the IMF.
Sri Lankans have begun voting in their first election since the collapse of the economy triggered mass protests that prompted then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country.
Polling stations opened at 7am (01:30 GMT) on Saturday in a poll widely seen as a referendum on his successor Ranil Wickremesinghe, who has restored some stability through austerity policies backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The measures, including tax hikes, have left millions struggling to make ends meet and are unpopular with many voters.
Wickremesinghe, who is expected to lose to one of his two rivals, was unrepentant as he addressed his final campaign rally in Colombo.
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