In Sri Lanka, arrangements are being ensured for safe and peaceful conduct of the Presidential elections. Public Security Minister Tiran Alles told a newspaper that Police have been permitted to use their firearms if unrest occurs at polling stations, during the upcoming Presidential election.

The minister has said that there are currently no plans to impose a curfew on election day and that all security measures are in place. Meanwhile, around 54,000 police officers are expected to be deployed for election security. Further, the Excise department has announced that liquor shops and wine stores islandwide will be closed on 21st and 22nd September in view of the election.

The Postal Department has informed that 98% of Polling Cards have been distributed. It further added that voters can collect missing cards from tomorrow from the post offices. However, the Election Commission confirmed that voting is still possible without an official polling card, as long as voters present their official identification card, or NIC. The election will be held this Saturday, after which counting will commence the same day.