Update: High voter turnout

A high voter turnout of more than 70 % in total was reported in the poll that concluded at 4.p.m. today, returning officers said. A 70 % turnout was reported in Kalutara, 75 % in Matale, 70 % in Kegalle, 75 % in Kurunegala and 76 % in Anuradhapura. The voter turnout in Vavuniya was reported as 66 % and 68 % in Mannar while it was 75 % in Kandy and 72 % in Trincomalee. Voter turnout in some of the districts 76% in Matara 70% in Hambantota 80% in Nuwara Eliya 70% in Puttalam 75% in Moneragala 75 % in Polonnaruwa 70% in Kegalle 65% in Gampaha 79% in Galle 61% in Jaffna 70% in Vanni 60% in Batticaloa 70% in Digamadulla

Peaceful poll: EC

Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya said today’s presidential election was conducted peacefully apart from a few minor incidents reported.

While extending his condolences to the family of the 57-year-old man who was killed in Kahawatta shooting a few days ago, Mr. Deshapriya told a news briefing at the Secretariat that the election was free and fair.

the most peaceful presidential poll; Police

Today’s presidential election was the most peaceful election held so far compared to the presidential polls in 2005 and 2010, the police said.

Police spokesman Ajith Rohana said only 405 incidents of polls violations were reported as at 12.00 noon today whereas 1,200 incidents were reported in 2005 and 1,090 in 2010 during the corresponding period.

“We were able to conduct a peaceful election and we expect this situation will prevail within the next few days as well. It was a 50% decrease in election law violations compared to previous elections,” he said.

SSP Rohana said no serious incidents were reported today except for two incidents in the North.