The Sri Lankan Election Commission has started distributing ballot boxes and essential election materials to polling stations today (November 13), ahead of the general election scheduled for tomorrow. Commissioner General of Elections, confirmed that the process will run from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., ensuring that all polling stations across the island receive necessary items like ballot boxes, ballot papers, and other stationery.
The distribution is organized at 49 locations island-wide, supported by 25 district secretariats covering 22 electoral constituencies. Polling station staff are also scheduled to conduct rehearsals today to ensure a smooth voting process tomorrow.
To maintain security and order, Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa announced that approximately 64,000 police officers were deployed yesterday (November 12). These officers will be stationed across all constituencies, reinforcing election security and monitoring for any potential disruptions.
Additionally, the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) will deploy around 6,000 representatives to observe polling sites and help ensure a transparent voting process. PAFFREL’s Executive Director, Rohana Hettiarachchi, highlighted that these observers will be spread across the country to closely monitor voting and ballot counting.
Meanwhile, the Department for Registration of Persons has announced the temporary suspension of all public services, including its one-day service, on November 14. The department explained that its staff members have been reassigned to assist with election duties, thus affecting regular operations for the day.
