Re-polling in the annulled polling centres in Nawalapitiya in the Kandy district and Kumburupitiya in the Trincomalee district will take place today (20 April).

50,107 voters for the re-poll in Nawalapitiya and 977 voters for the Kumburupitiya polling centre have registered.

All arrangements are in place for the re-poll in 37 polling centres in the Kandy district and one centre in Trincomalee, quoting Kandy and Trincomalee Returning Officers, Daily News reported.

Over 100 Government officials will be on election duties while 1,200 policemen have been deployed to assure security during and after the polls in Nawalapitiya. The STF and the Army will be deployed on the day of the elections.

Crimes DIG Anura Senanayake, who is in-charge of overseeing security for today’s re-polls in Nawalapitiya, said Police are ready to meet any situation during the re-poll, Daily News reported.

No incidents have so far been reported during the campaign period.

The Police have deployed over 1,000 policemen and women along with 400 Army personnel and STF to strengthen security in the area. Three SPs and two ASPs will supervise all election booths in the area. Several roadblocks had been set-up in the area, the report added.

“We are well organized to face any situation during the election and post elections period. If any person or persons attempt to create unrest in the area or disturb the peace, they will be severely dealt with according to the law,” DIG Senanayake stressed.

He said Police have done an excellent job by not allowing any candidate to put up posters, cut-outs or banners in the areas where the re-poll is being held.

DIG Senanayake also appealed to voters to cast their vote early. The DIG emphasized that the Elections Laws are valid till the elections are over.

According to Elections Secretariat sources the distribution of official poll cards commenced last Friday and continued till yesterday, Daily News added.