May 05, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has entered the final phase of preparations for the upcoming local elections, with the Election Commission confirming that polling station setup is set to begin this morning (05).
The country is bracing for a major democratic exercise, with over 17 million eligible citizens expected to cast their vote tomorrow across more than 13,700 polling centres nationwide.
The 2025 local polls, scheduled for tomorrow (May 06), will see representatives elected to 339 local government bodies. Voting is due to commence at 7:00 a.m. and conclude at 4:00 p.m., with the Election Commission assuring the public that all administrative and logistical arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth process.
Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake called upon all government personnel assigned to election duty to report as instructed, underscoring the importance of maintaining discipline and readiness in the final hours before polling begins.
For those who have yet to receive their official polling cards, the Commission has made provisions for collection from local post offices today and on election day itself. Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Police has confirmed that more than 65,000 officers have been mobilised to provide security and maintain order during the election period.
Senior Superintendent of Police Buddhika Manathunga stated that officers would be stationed at polling stations and across high-risk areas to prevent disruptions or illegal activity.
In parallel, civil society observers will be closely monitoring proceedings. The People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has deployed approximately 3,000 trained monitors across the island to safeguard the integrity of the vote and provide independent assessments.
As a result of the election, several public services have been temporarily suspended. The Ministry of Education has announced that all state schools will be closed today and tomorrow, with normal operations resuming on May 07. Similarly, the University Grants Commission has ordered all universities closed for students over the same period, though this closure does not apply to faculty or administrative staff.
The election has also impacted government operations beyond the education sector. The Department of Government Information has informed the public that counters issuing vehicle revenue licences in the Western Province will be closed on May 05 06, as many staff members have been assigned election-related duties.
Vehicle owners due to renew their licences during this period will be granted an extension, with no penalties applied if they complete the renewal on the next working day.
Additionally, the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has announced that its headquarters in Narahenpita, Colombo 05, will remain shut on May 05 06. The premises have been designated for use as a polling centre, and thus all routine public services at the site will be suspended.
