September 21, Colombo (LNW): As the polls closed at 4:00 p.m. for the 2024 Presidential Election, the Election Commission has released district-level voter turnout percentages, showcasing a strong response from the electorate across several regions.
The figures indicate robust participation, with certain districts recording notably high turnout rates, underscoring the significance of this pivotal election.
According to official data, voter turnout at the close of polling is as follows:
- Nuwara-Eliya: 80 per cent
- Monaragala: 77 per cent
- Polonnaruwa: 78 per cent
- Ratnapura: 75 per cent
- Gampaha: 80 per cent
- Colombo: 75 per cent
- Ampara: 70 per cent
- Kilinochchi: 68 per cent
- Puttalam: 75 per cent
Earlier reports revealed that by 2:00 p.m., voter turnout had already exceeded 60 per cent, demonstrating a steady and committed response from voters.
In certain districts such as Nuwara-Eliya and Gampaha, turnout rates soared to 80 per cent, reflecting a particularly strong engagement in these areas.
Colombo, the country’s bustling capital, also saw a respectable 75 per cent turnout by the time polling stations closed.
The high participation rate in rural districts like Monaragala and Polonnaruwa highlights the widespread interest in this year’s presidential election, which features the largest number of candidates in Sri Lankan history.
Conversely, Kilinochchi, in the Northern Province, recorded a relatively lower turnout at 68 per cent, though it remains a significant number given the region’s complex political landscape.
With counting now underway, the focus shifts to the results, which are expected to be revealed before midnight today (21).