Presidential polls : Special security arrangements for nomination process

August 12, 2024 at 10:02 AM

The National Election Commission has decided to implement special security for its office and surrounding areas for the acceptance of nominations for the upcoming Presidential Election.

According to Lankadeepa newspaper, Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L.Rathnayake said the special security arrangements will be implemented on Wednesday (Aug 15). 

He further said that 1500 personnel from law enforcement authorities, including the Police and Police Special Task Force (STF), will be deployed for this purpose.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Police is looking to implement a special plan on Wednesday for vehicles visiting the Election Commission for the nomination process.

The Police intends to issue three vehicle permits marked A, B, & C for Presidential candidates, which can be used only by the candidate to visit the Election Commission. 

Along with the Presidential candidate, permission will be granted to only two other persons, who will be signing the nomination, to visit the Election Commission on Wednesday.

It is also reported that special arrangements will be made for Police motorcycles to be deployed to escort Presidential candidates who are stuck in traffic and are finding it difficult to report to the Election Commission on time. 

Arrangements are also to be made to allocate separate locations in the vicinity of the Election Commission for supporters of Presidential candidates when they arrive for the nomination process.

The necessary security arrangements have been decided following a discussion between Election Commission officials, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, and officials of Sri Lanka Police and the Air Force held recently. (Newswire)