Average island-wide voter turnout remains 20-25 per cent in first four hours

The electoral district voter turnout remained in the range of 20- 25 per cent across the island in the first four hours of the voting process as the overall turnout is picking up very slowly, according to senior officials at the Election Department. 

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. 

Showers or thundershowers are expected in most areas after 2:00 p.m., with the Northern and Eastern provinces, along with the Hambantota district, possibly seeing morning showers as well, added the Met. Department.

Parts of the island, particularly Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-western provinces, as well as in Badulla, Galle, and Matara districts, may experience heavy rainfall reaching up to 100 mm. Fairly heavy showers of about 75 mm are likely in other areas.(Pixs by Indika Kanduwela,  Krishan Jeewaka Jayaruk Kankanamge)