April 24, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has begun the process of postal voting for the forthcoming local government elections, with more than 648,000 individuals expected to cast their ballots by post.
The process officially commenced today and will span across four scheduled days—April 24, 25, 28, and 29—without the possibility of extension.
This phase of voting is intended to ensure that citizens employed in essential services and state institutions are not deprived of their right to participate in the democratic process.
Eligible postal voters include staff from government departments, the police and armed forces, public schools, statutory bodies, and state-owned enterprises.
Their participation by mail aims to accommodate logistical and occupational constraints that might otherwise prevent them from visiting polling stations in person.
The Election Commission has approved a total of 648,495 individuals to vote by post this year. Emphasising the importance of adherence to the given schedule, Elections Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake made it clear that no further dates would be added to the current window.
He urged all those eligible to ensure their ballots are cast within the allotted period, warning that delays or missed deadlines would not be accommodated.
