Average island-wide voter turnout at 35-40 per cent by 1pm

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Average voter turnout across the island stood at between 35-40 per cent as at 1pm. Voting initially proceeded at a slow pace but has gradually picked up, according to election officials.

The slow voter turnout is due to heavy rains in North, Eastern, North- Western and Southern provinces also briefly disrupted the voting process as fewer voters lined up at polling centres.

Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology has also issued a fresh weather advisory predicting more rains in the evening in several parts of the country.

Heavy showers about 100 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, North- western, Eastern and Southern provinces, the Department stated.

No major incidents have been reported and voting is proceeding in a peaceful atmosphere.

Pix by Rahul Samantha Hettiarachchi in Hambantota and Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe in Puttalam