Police ensure violence free election

Sarath MALALASEKERA

COLOMBO: The Police Force on duty for the forthcoming Local Government Elections will ensure a free and fair election free of any violence. "We need public assistance," Inspector General of Police Chandra Fernando said yesterday.

All counting centres for the Local Government elections will be heavily guarded until the counting is concluded. For this purpose the Police will obtain the assistance of Special Task Force (STF) and the three forces, the IGP told the "Daily News."

Any person or persons attempting to create any problems near counting centres will be arrested and produced in court. Instructions have been sent to Officers-in-Charge of all police stations to be vigilant in order to avoid any situation.

The Law Enforcing officials appealed to all candidates to request their supporters to be at home after casting their votes to avoid any problems after the voting.

The special motorcycle squad set-up by the police department will assist with law and order control before and after the elections, the IGP said.

The public could assist the law enforcing officers by giving a telephone call to 119 and inform about the Police area, the place and the people who are involved in any unlawful act about the IGP added.

The IGP has also instructed all the Police stations in the country to set-up road blocks in their respective police areas to ensure free and fair elections during the forthcoming Local Government Elections.

All vehicles used in violation of the law will be seized by police and their owners produced before courts , the Election Secretariat added.

Election Laws will come into force immediately until the day after the conclusion of the poll, the IGP added.