The April 8 poll is crucial for President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was re-elected to office in January, to further tighten his grip on power by securing a majority in the 225-member legislature.

The election is expected to be a triangular contest between Rajapaksa's coalition and two opposition coalitions, one of which is led by former army commander Sarath Fonseka, who is in detention on allegations of sedition. An election official says his department is still perusing nomination papers before releasing the number of contestants.