Heightened security in place for one more week in post-election period

Colombo, Sep 19 (Daily Mirror) - In a bid to prevent possible post-election violence, a special security arrangement involving the police, the Special Task Force and the military will be in place for a period extending for one week after the presidential election is over, an official said yesterday.

The presidential poll will be conducted on Saturday between 7.00 am and 4.00 pm. Over 17 million voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in electing the next President to run the country for another period of five years.

Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Viyani Gunathilake told Daily Mirror that special security arrangements had been worked out in view of the presidential election to cover both the pre and post-election periods. He said the Election Commission had informed that the week after the day of polling is also considered the election period.

“We will put in place security measures to cover the extended one-week period in the post-election period. The police hold the primary responsibility to ensure security. They will be assisted by the STF and the military,” he said.

All campaigning for the presidential elections ended last midnight. During the silence period, campaigning is prohibited.

Asked for a comment, Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Rathnayake said campaigning had been conducted peacefully this time with no major violence incident reported. He said around 65,000 police personnel are required for election –related duties and more personnel will be called in case the need arises.

“There is no need to instill unnecessary fear in the minds of people,” he said.