I’m voting after nine years: Mahinda Deshapriya

Voters were provided with hand sanitising liquid before entering and leaving the polling station. In addition, there were facilities for washing their hands

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

It is after nine years that I cast my vote yesterday at the General Election, Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said when he arrived at the Lindsay Balika Vidyalaya in Bambalapitiya to cast his vote.  

This is the first time I came to the polling station as voter since 2011.

He urged all citizens, especially the Sri Lankan youth to exercise their franchise and assured all stakeholders that the polling stations across the country were safe and cast their vote without fear.  

Mr. Deshapriya told the media last morning that there had been no way the voters could contract COVID-19 at polling stations, which were operated with all health guidelines in place.   
“It is compulsory for every voter to wear a protective face mask when they arrive at polling stations,” Deshapriya said.  

“Voters were also provided with hand sanitising liquid before entering and leaving the polling station in addition to there were facilities for washing their hands,” he added. He urged the voters to maintain the one-metre distance at all times.  

“The officials assigned for duty at the polling station were also wearing protective face cover and adhering to health guidelines.” the Election Commission Chief added.   

There had been no way the voters could contract COVID-19 at polling stations