Gampaha election results were delayed following a discrepancy in counting

The delay in releasing the Gampaha District results was due to a mismatch in the figures across three documents during the counting process, an official said.

The issue was at the Divulapitiya Polling Center No. 52 in Mirigama of the Gampaha District, where a mistake by a counting officer caused discrepancies in the documents. Officials intervened, identified the issue, and corrected it, resulting in a delay in announcing the total candidate preference votes for the district.

Deputy Commissioner (DC)  Ravindra explained to TimesOnline,  that such errors can occur due to the prolonged working hours of counting officers, leading to fatigue.

He reassured the public that the issue was resolved collaboratively and emphasized that the problem was limited to the National People’s Power list, advising others not to be concerned.

Elections Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake, responding to questions about the delay, told TimesOnline that Samagi Balawegaya party members had raised concerns about the discrepancy that had occurred..

However, he clarified that the issue did not involve their party and the issue  had been handled appropriately by the officials. He added that anyone wishing to request a recount or raise further concerns could do so through the courts.

He said subsequently the corrected preference vote totals had been released to the media.