Special disaster management programme during election period: State Minister

Colombo, August 13 (Daily Mirror) - The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has made arrangements to implement a special programme to confirm the right of voting for all eligible citizens in case of any emergency situation that may occur during this presidential election period.

September 21 is the scheduled date for the Presidential election.

State Minister for Defence Pramita Bandara Thennakoon announced this today (13) at the DMC head office in Colombo. 

The announcement followed a special discussion with officers from the Disaster Management Centre, the Armed Forces, the Civil Defense Department, the Police and other government agencies. 

The discussion was about the DMC's special disaster management programme during the upcoming Presidential election.

He further said that the DMC will provide all necessary measures and facilities to enable every citizen to cast their vote even in the event of any emergency disaster, in accordance with the guidelines and instructions of the Election Commission. Advance preparation are essential, especially during the election period. All officials of the relevant government institutions will be prepared to face any emergency situation related to disasters, he said.

During the election period, a Special District Disaster Election Management Unit will be established under the direct supervision of the DMC, and all disaster management activities will be carried out through this unit. The 24-hour emergency telephone number 117 will continue to be operational to inform about any emergency situation, the State Minister added.