Safari jeeps used to transport ballot boxes

Ballot boxes for the Pukkulama fishing village polling center—located towards the end of the Wilpattu National Park—were transported today using safari jeeps, Puttalam District Secretary H.M.S.P. Herath said.

Initially transported under police protection from Puttalam’s Andrew National School to the Kala Oya crossway bridge in Eluwankulama, the boxes were then carried across the Kala Oya River via a hanging bridge to the Eluwankulama Wildlife Office. 

From there, election officials, police, and Civil Security personnel traveled in safari vehicles through the forest to reach the village, more than 30 miles away.

The polling center, set up at the village Catholic church, serves 197 registered voters—all fishermen.

Wanathavilluwa Divisional Secretary Milanga Prabath said the area recorded over 50% turnout in the presidential election held last year. Most residents have lived there for over 50 years, having moved in from various regions of the country.

By Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe