Election peaceful, but Police on alert

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

While describing yesterday’s local government election as peaceful, police said armed security personnel will be stationed at counting centres across the country until the final results are officially released.

Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga said that following the end of voting at 4 p.m., special security measures were implemented at all counting centres, similar to those provided at polling stations.

“In addition to regular police deployments, Special Task Force (STF) patrol units have been deployed for patrolling to ensure security at all counting centres,” he said.

“The entire voting process, from morning until the close of polls, was peaceful. We urge the public to refrain from any acts of violence or sabotage during the post-election period,” SSP Manatunga said.

He also emphasised that the police will take strict action against anyone involved in post-election disturbances.

From March 3 to May 5, 2025, Sri Lanka Police received a total of 568 election-related complaints. These include 116 complaints of election-related violence and 452 related to violations of election laws.

A total of 54 candidates and 204 supporters have been arrested, and 46 vehicles taken into police custody during this period.

Meanwhile, People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi said that, apart from minor incidents involving election law violations such as unauthorised campaigning, the election was conducted peacefully.

“Apart from a few isolated cases, no area reported incidents significant enough to affect the validity of the vote,” he said.