People across Sri Lanka went to the polls on Thursday to cast ballots in the country's parliamentary election. The vote comes as the nation is mired in an economic crisis.

The country's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is looking for a mandate from voters. He has just three lawmakers in the outgoing 225-member parliament. People in the largest city of Colombo lined up from early in the morning to vote.

A 52-year-old company director said: "As citizens of Sri Lanka, it is our duty to vote and send the right people to parliament. I used my vote today to fulfill that obligation."

In 2022, the Indian Ocean nation suspended debt repayments to international creditors, effectively placing it in default.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe introduced austerity measures including tax hikes and higher electricity prices. But the moves drew a public backlash.

The left-leaning Dissanayake took office in September. During the campaign, he called for a review of the economic measures.

Thursday's election is an opportunity for Dissanayake to strengthen his power base while he still has momentum. The outcome is expected to be known as early as Friday.