Polling booths relocated

• Polling stations to be located in preaching halls in eight temples where Katina ceremonies are to be held have been relocated at community halls and other buildings in close proximity

By Ajithlal Shanthaudaya   

Elections Department has taken steps to relocate eight polling stations in the Ratnapura electorate in view of the Katina ceremonies to be held at several temples selected earlier for polling stations.  

Ratnapura District Deputy Commissioner of Elections Saranga Ambagahathenna told the media yesterday that the polling stations to be located in preaching halls in eight temples where Katina ceremonies are to be held have been relocated at community halls and other buildings in close proximity.   

The media conference held at the District Secretariat was presided over by District Secretary Wasantha Gunaratne.   

Commenting on the ongoing preparations for the poll, Deputy Commissioner of Elections said the poll would take place at 700 polling station in the eight electorates in the district.   

“Several temporary huts of 20x40 dimension have been erected for want of room in community centres. Chief Incumbents of several temples agreed to hold the Katina ceremonies early and to provide the preaching halls for polling booths. However, that arrangement was not possible in case of eight polling booths and we had to make alternative arrangements” he said.

District Returning Officer and District Secretary Wasantha Gunaratne said 923736 electors in the district would go to poll and that the situation in the district was quite peaceful and free of any election related incidents.   

He said the counting stations have been located at Kumara Vidyalaya, and the Technical College. He further said an election staff of 13500 officers and 3740 police and security force personnel have been detailed to conduct the poll. He said the election staff would report to the polling stations by 8 am today.