Less voter turnout across the country in first three hours of polling

Despite three hours passed since polling opened early this morning, less voter turnout was witnessed across the country, according to the voter turnout data from the Election Secretariat. 

As of 9:00 a.m, district-level voter turnout for the polls has exceeded 10 per cent in several districts with Colombo recording a turnout of 20 per cent, while Kalutara followed with 15 per cent.

In other districts, lower voter turnouts were recorded: 7 per cent in Nuwara-Eliya, 5 per cent in Jaffna, 6 per cent in Kilinochchi, and 10 per cent in Trincomalee.

The ongoing 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.

Manjula Gajanayake, Executive Director at the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES) told Times Online that the voter turnout will improve later in the day considering the past voting pattern of Sri Lankan voters. 

There have been no major election violations or violence incidents reported so far as the voting process remained peaceful, Mr. Gajanayake said. 

At least 13 minor election-related violation incidents were recorded by IRES by 9.30 am, according to the election monitoring body. (Pix by Akila Jayawardena)