Post-election violations at minimum: Police

By Asiri Fernando

Police yesterday said post-election violations had been at a minimum, but would continue mobile patrols and maintain additional roadblocks today, with the aim of preventing any new breach of laws. 

Police Media Spokesman SSP Jaliya Senaratne - Pic by Ruwan Walpola

A force of 2,500 Police officers have been pre-deployed to areas identified as high-risk for possible post-election violence, following advice from intelligence agencies, Police Spokesman SSP Jaliya Senaratne said yesterday. 

Speaking at a press conference at Police Headquarters, Senaratne said that in addition to Police officers and Civil Security Department personnel, more than 3,000 Special Task Force personnel have been deployed to counting centres to provide security. 

“Compared to the 2015 election, far fewer complaints have been reported this year, therefore as the Police we believe that this is one of the most free and fair elections held to date,” Senaratne said in response to a question. 

According to the Police, during the election period (2 March-5 August), 350 incidents have been reported as of last afternoon. Of the incidents reported, the Police had identified 177 violations of election regulations, while 173 had been reported in by the public and other groups. 

Meanwhile, 110 other offences which can affect the elections have also been reported, where Police have taken action. Of the said offences, 49 were assaults on persons, 47 instances of threating or intimidation, and 14 instances of property damage. 

The Embilipitiya Police Division had reported the highest number of election violations with 55 offences reported, Senaratne added. The Police urged the public to follow COVID-19-related public health regulations and not act in breach of the Penal Code when election results are released.