News
Rains likely on election day; EC takes precautions
View(s):By Ishu Bandara
The Election Commission and the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) are gearing up for adverse weather conditions on election day following predictions of rain in many districts.
Election Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake told the Sunday Times that to face any potential disaster situations on election day, the EC had identified the areas
and electoral centres that could be affected by adverse weather.
“Together with relevant government institutes, we are taking preliminary actions and launched a process to address and mitigate these issues,” he said.
Meteorology Department Director General Athula Karunanayake said that rains could intensify on Thursday in the Northern, North Central, North Western, and Central provinces with up to 100 mm of rain.
He said the department would provide the Special Operation Room at the EC with frequent forecasts during the election period between Tuesday and Saturday.
Disaster Management Centre Director and spokesperson Pradeep Kodippili said that in case of an emergency such as a flood, landslide, or any other disaster during the election period, the centre was prepared to provide necessary facilities to address the situation.
Election Commissioner General Ratnayake said they had arranged tractors specifically for the Puttalam district and boats for Jaffna and other identified districts.
Meanwhile, campaigning for the election officially ends at midnight tomorrow.
The EC said arrangements had been finalised for the conduct of the poll on Thursday between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Polling will be held in 13,314 booths.
Mr. Ratnayake said some of the polling booths set up in Buddhist temples had been shifted to other places as Friday was a Poya day.
He said that 97% of religious places have no issues being used as election centres, with only 45 Buddhist temples declining due to Vas celebrations and another 15 rejecting for other reasons.
Mr. Ratnayake said the EC had received complaints from religious leaders about candidates visiting religious centres, taking photographs with them, and then using these images in their campaign materials.
Describing this as unethical, the Commissioner General urged candidates to avoid such actions.
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