By “Sri Lanka Races Against Time: State Agencies Gear Up for High-Stakes Presidential Election”
Sri Lanka is gearing up for a landmark presidential election on September 21, set against the backdrop of the nation’s unprecedented economic crisis. With the stakes higher than ever, key state agencies are in the final stages of preparation, ensuring the electoral process runs smoothly despite numerous challenges.
The Department of Government Printing, a crucial player in the electoral process, is working around the clock to produce essential materials, including ballot papers, voter lists, and instruction booklets for polling officials. As the election date approaches, the department is under intense pressure to deliver these materials on time. “We are racing against the clock to ensure everything is ready,” said Government Printer Gangani Liyanage. The department is also preparing for any last-minute changes, such as candidate withdrawals or legal amendments, by maintaining close communication with the Election Commission (EC).
One significant challenge facing the Election Commission is the potential complications arising from a lengthy ballot paper. With a growing number of presidential candidates, there are concerns that the ballot paper may exceed the maximum length capacity of the printing machines. “This could lead to major financial and logistical strains,” warned Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake.The cost has been calculated at an increse of LKR 200 million per candidate and cureently there are 27 in the race.
Meanwhile, the Postal Department is ramping up its distribution networks to ensure that postal ballots reach voters promptly, especially those on election duty. Special dispatch centers and additional resources are being deployed, with 8,000 employees tasked with delivering election notices and polling cards. Security is a top priority, with strict measures in place to safeguard the integrity of postal ballots.
Ensuring security during the election is another critical focus area. Following the assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump, Sri Lankan authorities are taking no chances. Police have been deployed nationwide, with special units monitoring potential hotspots and responding swiftly to incidents. Sniper teams have also been positioned at key locations to counter any high-level threats. The military is on standby to provide additional security at polling stations, ensuring a safe environment for voters.
At the district level, preparations are in full swing. District Secretaries are working on finalizing logistics, including setting up polling booths equipped with ramps and other facilities for differently-abled voters. Special committees will oversee staffing, welfare, and utilities, with plans to accommodate voters with disabilities at over 1,900 polling centers across the country.
Social media has also come under scrutiny as the election approaches. The Election Commission has received a significant number of complaints related to social media posts, prompting special attention to this area. “We are closely monitoring these platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation,” said Deputy Election Commissioner Piyumi Atigala.
The National Election Commission has received 51 complaints in the last 24 hours ending at 04:30 pm on Saturday.
All complaints were related to violations of election laws, the Election Commission said in a statement.
Twenty-seven candidates have placed their deposits to contest the September 21 presidential election till Friday evening. They are: 01. Ranil Wickremesinghe – Independent,
02. Sarath Keerthirathne – Independent,
03. Oshala Anil Herath – New Independent Front,
04. A.S.P. Liyanage – Sri Lanka Labour Party,
05. Sajith Premadasa – Samagi Jana Balawegaya,
06. P.W.S.K. Bandaranayake – National Development Front
07. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe – National Democratic Front
08. K.K. Piyadasa – Independent,
09. Siritunga Jayasuriya – United Socialist Party
10. Ajantha de Zoysa – Ruhunu Janatha Party,
11. K. Ananda Kularathne – Independent,
12. Sarath Manamendra – Nawa Sihala Urumaya Party
13. Ven Battaramulle Seelarathana Thera –
Janasetha Peramuna
14.Ven Akmeemana Dayarathana Thera – Independent,
15. Siripala Amarasinghe – Independent
16. K.R. Krishan – Arunalu Janatha Peramuna
17. Gardihewa Sarath Chandralal,mfonseka- Independent,
18. Dissanayake Mudiyanselage Anura Kumara Dissanayake –
National People’s Power, 1
9. Pani Wijesisiwardena – Samajawadi Samanatha Pakshaya,
20. Biyanwilage Anthony Victor – Independent,
21. Ahidurus Muhammed Illyas – Independent,
22. Marakkala Manage Pemasiri – Independent,
23. Pallimulla Kapugamage Anura Sydney Jayarathne – Independent,
24.D.M. Bandaranayake – Independent,
25.Priyantha Pushpa Kumara – Nawa Samasamaja Party,
26. M. Thilakaraja – Independent Candidate,
27. J.D.K. Wickramarathne – Ape Janabala Party.
