5 August 2020 12:08 am
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) together with the Commission of Elections have set up a special unit to enable the voters reaching the polling stations in the event of a natural disaster during the election period.
DMC Spokesman Pradeep Kodiplly said the special unit will function from today until Friday August 7, 2020.
“This special unit had come up with a plan to enable the smooth functioning of activities related to the election during the polling and the period that would follow,” Mr. Kodipplly said.
“Accordingly several hotlines have been set up so that people can inform the emergency authorities in the event of any natural disasters. People will be able to obtain help to get to a polling station in the event of a disaster during the election period. People will be able to call on the following numbers 070,211, 7117, 0112668000, 0112668087, 0113668025, 01136366826 and on 0113668119 for assistance” he added.
Meanwhile the Department of Meteorology had forecast heavy rainfalls of about 75 mm in the Sabaragamuwa and Central Provinces and in the Galle and Matara Districts today onwards for a few days.
Wind speed was expected to increase up to (50-60) kmph at times over the island particularly in Northern, North-Central and North-Western Provinces and in the Hambantota, Trincomalee and Matale Districts and along the Western slopes of the central hills.
Accordingly several hotlines have been set up so that people can inform the emergency authorities in the event of any natural disasters. People will be able to obtain help to get to a polling station in the event of a disaster during the election period.