No major incidents of violence have been reported in relation to the ongoing General Election thus far, People's Action for Free and Fair Election (PAFFREL) Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi said.

However, Hettiarachchi said there were several incidents of attempts to distribute pens and handbills near some polling stations. “Overall a peaceful atmosphere has been observed,” he said.

Hettiarachchi urged voters to come to the polling stations and exercise their franchise, in spite of a sense of frustration with voting this year.

Moreover, he said they had also observed that all the polling stations in the country had been set up under relevant health guidelines.  

Meanwhile, he said 4215 cases of election law violations were reported to the organisation during the 'silent period' especially in connection to campaigning via social media.

"We have also received three incidents of violence including one incident of hospitalisation during the silent period,” he said. 

The ‘silent period’ in relation to the General Elections started at midnight on August 2. (Sheain Fernandopulle)