Election security measures in place despite IGP absence

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

All necessary security measures and deployments of police officers for handling election law violations are inw place despite the absence of an IGP, the Daily Mirror learns. A senior police officer confirmed that comprehensive security arrangements are being implemented and will continue to evolve based on daily requirements.

Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) Asanga Karavita, who oversees election-related activities, is coordinating with Senior DIGs across provinces to ensure a smooth Presidential Election.

The Election Commission’s guidelines and circulars have been distributed to all senior police officers to ensure compliance with the commission’s decisions.
The officer said that security arrangements are being adjusted daily as needed.

Currently, the Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province and the officer in charge of the Mirihana Division are overseeing security at the Election Commission in Rajagiriya, where eleven police officers have been deployed. Security at the Commission will be scaled up as required.

Special police security will also be provided at the Government Printing Department during the printing of ballot papers. Discussions with relevant authorities are ongoing to determine the necessary security measures, and additional officers will be deployed as needed.

Meanwhile, Senior DIGs have been informed to make arrangements to provide police officers for the district election office for their duties. By Thursday (August 1), arrangements are expected to be finalised, with eleven officers deployed at each district office to handle election-related complaints.

Election operation rooms have been established at each police station, with three officers assigned per station under the direction of the Officer in Charge (OIC) and the divisional police head.

Police said that this number will increase as needed.

Divisional Election Operation Rooms are also being set up, with at least 270 officers assigned to each. The first election-related complaint, involving a threatening call to a presidential candidate, was received from Chilaw last week.

The case was investigated and resolved by both parties, police said.