I’m voting after 9 years: Mahinda Deshapriya

It is after nine years that I voted today at the General Election, Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said when he arrived at the Lindsay BalikaVidyalaya in Bambalapitiya to cast his vote.

“This is the first time I came to the polling station as a voter following my appointment in 2011,” he said.

He urged all citizens, especially the Sri Lankan youth to exercise their franchise and assured all stakeholders that the polling stations in the country were safe and cast their vote without fear.

Mr. Deshapriya told the media this morning that there was no way the voters would contract COVID-19 at polling stations, which would be operated with all health guidelines in place.  

 “It is compulsory for every voter to wear a protective face mask when they arrive at polling stations,” Deshapriya said.

“Voters are also provided with hand sanitising liquid before entering and leaving the polling station in addition to there being facilities for washing of hands,” he added.

Deshapriya urged the voters to maintain the one-metre distance at all time.

"The officials assigned for duty at the polling station are also wearing protective face cover and adhering to health guidelines. Therefore don’t be afraid to approach them," he added. (Sheain Fernandopulle)