April 28, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Police have reported a surge in incidents connected to the 2025 Local Government Election, with 30 complaints registered over the past 24 hours up to 6.00 a.m. today (28).
Of these, nine complaints pertained directly to acts of election-related violence, whilst the remaining 21 concerned breaches of electoral laws.
Law enforcement authorities confirmed the arrest of one candidate and seven supporters within the same period, reflecting a growing trend of misconduct as election day approaches.
The police, continuing their heightened monitoring efforts, have pledged to act decisively against any attempts to disrupt the democratic process.
Since the formal commencement of the election campaign period on March 03, a total of 398 complaints relating to election activities have been received. Police records show that 30 candidates and 131 of their supporters have been apprehended over the past eight weeks, underscoring persistent challenges in maintaining order during the politically charged season.
In addition, authorities have seized 31 vehicles believed to have been used in connection with election law violations.
Security forces have been deployed extensively across the country, with special attention paid to identified hotspots where tensions between rival groups have been more pronounced.
Police spokespersons reiterated the importance of conducting a free and fair election, warning that any individuals or groups attempting to incite unrest or interfere with voters’ rights would face the full force of the law.
Observers have noted that whilst Sri Lanka traditionally experiences a degree of turbulence during election periods, recent initiatives aimed at strengthening legal enforcement and civic education appear to have tempered more widespread violence.
Nevertheless, with campaigning intensifying in the final stretch before voting day, authorities remain vigilant to prevent any escalation of tensions.
