Police warned yesterday there was an organized attempt to rig Tuesday’s Presidential poll as prelates of four leading Buddhist sects appealed jointly to stop misuse of state property and “character assassinations.”

Sri Lanka is seeking a credit line of US$ 300 million from Russia to buy military and landmine clearing equipment, military transport helicopters, arms and ammunition and other weaponry. The deal is to be finalized during President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s planned visit to Russia next month if he wins the election on Tuesday, government sources said.