Lanka PM appeals to people to vote peacefully and maintain law & order

On the eve of Sri Lankan presidential polls, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe urged the people to vote peacefully and maintain law and order to ensure a free and fair election.

There are 15.9 million eligible voters who will choose a successor to President Maithripala Sirisina on Saturday. There are a record 35 candidates vying for the presidency. Sirisena, who was elected in 2015, is not seeking re-election.

In a special statement, Wickremesinghe recalled that through the 19th Amendment, the government set up independent commissions and created a democratic, lawful and peaceful environment throughout the country.

"All arrangements are being made to hold the first presidential election in such a democratic, legal, fair and just environment tomorrow, Saturday," the prime minister was quoted as saying by the Colombo Page news portal.

The Election Commission has provided all necessary measures to hold a free and fair election. The armed forces and police have been instructed to provide adequate security needed for the election.

"The duty and responsibility of all of us as citizens are to provide the maximum support to the relevant agencies and officials to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections," said.

"What we need to do is strengthen this free environment and to provide maximum contribution not to recreate an unruly political culture like in the past."