Islandwide voter turnout around 65 per cent; counting of postal votes underway

With an average islandwide voter turnout recorded at around 65 per cent at today’s General polls, the process of counting votes commenced a while ago, according to the Election Commission.

Speaking to the media, the Chairman of the Election Commission Commission said that the average country-wide voter turnout is around 65 per cent as the voting closed at 4.00 pm.

Throughout the election period, there were no major election-related violence or violation incidents reported as the polls concluded in a peaceful environment, the Chairman noted. 

The final voter turnout of districts were also released by the Election Commission. Accordingly, Nuwara Eliya -68 per cent, Colombo- 65 per cent, Polonnaruwa- 65 per cent, Rathnpaura - 60-65 per cent, Kurunegala- 68 per cent, Anuradhapura- 65 per cent, Matale 17.5 per cent and Kandy -62 per cent. 

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake cast his vote at the Abeysingharamaya, Panchikawaththa, Maradana.

Speaking to the media afterwards, the President said the NPP aims to create a political culture that unites all provinces—North, South, East, and West—under one government.

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya voted at the polling booth at the Samurdhi office in Mirihana. She said her first task would be to form a strong government in the new Parliament. She expressed confidence that the NPP will obtain a clear majority.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa cast his vote at the Vivekaramaya in Kotuwegoda, Rajagiriya. He told journalists outside the polling centre that he hopes everyone will join hands to rebuild the country from the abyss of bankruptcy. 

Former President and New Democratic Front (NDF) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe voted at College House at Colombo University. He pointed to the seemingly lower voter turnout compared to the last presidential election and said only time will tell whether this is an advantage or disadvantage for parties such as his. 

Speaking to journalists after voting at the D.A. Rajapaksa Vidyalaya in Weeraketiya, former President and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa said he expects a good result for the SLPP. He said whichever government comes to power will face many challenges. 

Pix by Nilan Maligaspe