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Police go all out to help EC conduct free and fair election

Published

2 years ago

2024/09/20

Thilina Walpola

DIG Nihal Thalduwa

By Rathindra Kuruwita

The police were ready to offer any assistance required by the Elections Commission (EC) to ensure a free and fair election tomorrow, DIG Nihal Thalduwa, Head of the Crime Division and Police Spokesperson, said during a media briefing yesterday (19).

Two police officers will be stationed at each polling centre.

“In centres serving a significant number of voters, we sometimes deploy three officers. All police personnel on special duties have reported to their respective stations. From 6 o’clock on Friday, mobile police units will begin patrolling polling centres and the surrounding areas,” he said.

DIG Thalduwa explained that one of the two officers deployed to each polling centre would go to the location where ballot boxes are issued.

“This officer will liaise with the Returning Officer of the polling centre and accompany them, along with the ballot box, back to the centre,” he said.

“In the meantime, the other officer will have secured the polling centre. On Saturday morning, both officers will remain on duty at the centre at all times,” he added.

DIG Thalduwa said the election process thus far has been extremely peaceful, with the police receiving only 449 complaints, of which just 140 fall under the Criminal Procedure Code. “We have had about three incidents involving serious injuries. In total, we have arrested 108 individuals and apprehended 14 vehicles for violations related to election law,” DIG Thalduwa said.

DIG Thalduwa said that election-related propaganda had ended at midnight on Wednesday (18).

As per the regulations governing presidential elections, election offices are no longer permitted after midnight on 19 September. “However, a candidate is allowed to maintain a central election office in each electoral district. Additionally, if a candidate’s residence has been used as an election office, it may continue to function. Candidates can also maintain one election office for each seat (160 seats in total), and these may remain operational until midnight on 22 September,” he said.

Canvassing had also prohibited since midnight Wednesday (18). The newly gazetted Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill from 19 July 2024 has introduced significantly higher fines for election-related offences. For example, Section 169E has been amended to increase the fine for “bribery by treating” from 200 rupees to 750,000 rupees. The fine for “bribery in connection with an election” has been raised from 500 rupees to 1 million rupees. Similarly, Section 169F has been amended to raise the fine for “undue influence at an election” from 500 rupees to 100,000 rupees, and the penalty for “personation at an election” has increased from 300 rupees to 100,000 rupees.

The police will also ensure that no intoxicated individuals enter polling centres. “There is limited time for voting, and we cannot afford to deal with disturbances caused by drunken behaviour. We urge the public not to disrupt the work of election officers, and we will take strict action if necessary,” DIG Thalduwa said.

Of the 85,000-strong Sri Lankan police force, 70,000 officers will be deployed either directly or indirectly for election duty on Saturday. “Mobile phones will not be allowed inside polling booths. A small minority of people take their phones inside and capture photos or videos, which causes numerous problems,” DIG Thalduwa said.

The police are also monitoring election watch parties where large amounts of alcohol may be consumed. “As election results are announced, some individuals might cause disruptions that could even affect national security. We will disperse such gatherings. Do not drink excessively and attempt to cause trouble,” he said.

Additionally, police are keeping a close eye on individuals who continue to promote election propaganda via social media despite the ban on such activities.

“An organised group, for example, attempted to falsely suggest that an incident from two years ago was happening in the present. They circulated a video on social media with a caption accusing one party. Despite it being clear that the event was from the past, people kept contacting the police to verify the information. Acts like this can cause unnecessary confusion and problems,” he said.

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

13 hours ago

2026/04/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 15 April 2026, valid for 16 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491

Latest News

Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 makes port call in Colombo

Published

18 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 15 Apr 2026 and was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.

The vessel’s arrival is a key highlight of the ASEAN Plus Cadet Sail (APCS) – 2026 programme , accompanying a diverse contingent of Navy cadets from 26 different nations alongside their Indonesian counterparts.

The ship is commanded by Commander SUGENG HARIYANTO. Meanwhile, Officer Under-trainees of the Sri Lanka Navy are expected to participate in various programmes aboard the
ship and naval personnel observe its operational functions during its stay in the island.

Furthermore, the ship’s crew is scheduled to take part in programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two navies, as well as visit several tourist attractions in the country.

News

PM initiates children into learning at the auspicious time while observing New Year traditional customs and rituals

Published

18 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival, organized by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, was held on Tuesday (14) in Gampaha under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, with the performance of traditional auspicious customs and rituals.

In accordance with tradition, during the Punya Kalaya (inauspicious time), the Prime Minister visited the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Viharaya in Gampaha and participated in religious observances and received blessings from Venerable Thunmodara Samitha Thero, a member of the Karaka Sangha Sabha of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the Chief Incumbent of the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Dharmaduta Piriven Viharaya.

The traditional observances of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival were held at the residence of Darshana Weerasinghe in Gampaha. Marking the auspicious time for commencing work, and upon the invitation of the host family, the Prime Minister planted a sapling within the premises. Concurrently, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, joined the PM.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister joined children in engaging in traditional folk games.

At the auspicious time for engaging work and educational activities, the PM participated with children in reading and writing, guiding them and symbolically marking the commitment to advancing the educational development of the nation’s children.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other distinguished guests observed the traditional customs of exchanging greetings, transactions and gifts with the host family, and joined them to partake in the customary New Year meal.

Extending New Year greetings to all citizens, the Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to all Sri Lankans, both at home and abroad, for their contributions in overcoming and effectively managing the various challenges faced by the country.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi stated that the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival symbolizes renewal and purity, and reflects the energy of the sun. He also conveyed his wishes for a peaceful and prosperous New Year for all.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning and Minister of Labour, Dr. Anil Jayantha; Deputy Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe; Member of Parliament for the Gampaha District, Ruwan Mapalagama; along with the Gampaha District Secretary, Mayor, Divisional Secretaries, and a large number of government officials.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)