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Last Updated : 2024-04-24 06:20:00
17 June 2020 06:01 am - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya said yesterday he was trying his best to keep the costs for the August 5 general election below Rs.10 billion amid the challenges posed by COVID-19.
He told Daily Mirror that initially the general election was estimated to cost Rs.7 to Rs.7.5 billion but it had now shot up to Rs.9.5 billion to Rs.10 billion.
"The Commission is trying to minimize the costs as much as possible and doing our best to keep it below Rs.10 billion. But it is a difficult task as we need to provide health gear and sanitises and hold mock elections," Mr. Deshapriya said.
He said currently, the EC has 90 full time officers and 60 part time officers. All officials have to be provided with face masks daily and two masks for each official in case of surgical masks. We also need sanitisation equipment as well.
Mr. Deshapriya had on an earlier occasion said the Commission's aim was to conduct the general elections with all safety precautions in place so that the country need not face a re-emergence of COVID-19 because of the polls. (JAMILA HUSAIN)
James Wednesday, 17 June 2020 06:21 AM
Presidential elections and parliamentary elections could be held on the same date similar to other countries such as US. It would save lot of money.
Dee Wednesday, 17 June 2020 07:20 AM
Don't worry. We can print the additional.
Mama Wednesday, 17 June 2020 07:48 AM
MY FOOT
Harry Wednesday, 17 June 2020 07:50 AM
Are you serious!!!! that equal to $54m USD? what is the purpose of conducting an Election if politician doesn't even serve the country? Let the current president run the country without the Parliament. Rs10Bn can be used to payoff the government debts and give relief to poor Sri Lankans.
Mamy Wednesday, 17 June 2020 07:54 AM
EARLIER YOU SAID FOR THE ELECTION EXPENSES WILL COST 8 Bn. HOW NOW INCREASE TO 10Bn THAT MEANS FINAL FIGURE. 8Bn. EACH AND EVERYONE SRILANKAN WHAT WE CAN SAY!!!!!!!
Niroshan Wednesday, 17 June 2020 07:56 AM
Hope you spend it on essential. I wrote to you after the presidential election that the wheelchair access to polling stations were not provided . No one offered to help including the policeman on duty. Big steps at the entrance to the actual area. Hope this will be looked into in all area's
Siv Wednesday, 17 June 2020 08:29 AM
Wow 10bn... its people's money spent to select useless 225...
Mama Wednesday, 17 June 2020 08:42 AM
AFTER THAT EACH DONKEY TO BE SPENT 2MILLIONS. OUR TEX MONEY HOW THESE PEOPLES ARE WASTING AND PUT IN THE SEA WITH OUT THINKING ANYTHING. BECAUSE THEY POCKETS ARE FILLING WITHOUT SWEATING B
Upul Kalatuwawa Wednesday, 17 June 2020 11:41 AM
Oh my God. Why democracy is so expensive. Don't worry .... we are living in a super luxury country...
sam silva Wednesday, 17 June 2020 05:32 PM
By the way did all nominees declare their assets in order to qualify to contest. It was stated only 7 out of 225 declared.
Bhatiya Siriwardena Thursday, 18 June 2020 08:45 AM
Presidential and General elections could have been held on the same day saving alot of money.
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