Sri Lanka braces for Presidential election amid severe Police shortage

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  
Sri Lanka is preparing for a challenging presidential election on September 21 amid a significant police shortage and ongoing anti-crime operations, the Daily Mirror learns. Currently, Sri Lanka Police is grappling with a deficit of approximately 30,000 police officers. The shortage arose due to the retirement of officers, others leaving the services and some stepping down due to disabilities.  
The ‘Yukthiya’ operation launched in December last year to tackle underworld activities and narcotics, has intensified its operations in recent weeks. This extensive operation has been effective, with police arresting an average of 700 suspects daily and seizing substantial quantities of narcotics.  
On Monday alone, police arrested 719 suspects and confiscated various narcotic substances.

A senior official said that as the election approaches, a substantial portion of the police force has been reassigned to election-related duties.  
These responsibilities include providing security for campaign events, overseeing the printing of ballot papers at the Government Printing Department, and managing election complaints across districts.  
In addition, police officers have been tasked with protecting numerous presidential candidates.  
With the Inspector General of Police currently absent, Public Security Ministry Secretary Viyani Gunathilaka has been given full authority to oversee election security.   Gunathilaka said that despite the ongoing ‘Yukthiya’ operations, all necessary measures will be implemented to ensure a secure electoral process. He also said that the armed forces have been put on standby to support security efforts if needed.  
Earlier, President Ranil Wickremesinghe directed the Public Security Ministry Secretary to ensure the allocation of adequate police resources for the election.  
Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) Asanga Karavita, who oversees election-related activities, said he is coordinating with Senior DIGs across provinces to ensure a smooth Presidential Election.  
SDIG Karavita told Daily Mirror earlier that the Election Commission’s guidelines and circulars have been distributed to all senior police officers to ensure adherence to commission decisions.  
He said that security arrangements are being adjusted daily as needed.  
Meanwhile, it has been reported that the police have submitted an estimated expenditure of nearly Rs 1,600 million to the Election Commission for the upcoming presidential election.