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

• Step taken to prevent possible post-election violence
• 65,000 police personnel normally needed to conduct poll related duties  

By Kelum Bandara  

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 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 ST and the military,” he said.   

All campaigning for the presidential election ended last midnight. During the silent period, campaigning is prohibited.  

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

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