A presidential candidate dies.

It is reported that Muhammad Illiyas, who was an independent candidate for the 2024 presidential election, passed away at the age of 78 at Puttalam Hospital last night due to a sudden heart attack.

During Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga’s government, he was a Member of Parliament elected from Jaffna district.

Mr. Mohammad Illiyas was taken to the hospital two days ago due to a sudden illness.

With his sudden death, the list of presidential candidates drops to thirty-eight.