Presidential Election Underway Now In Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s Presidential election is underway now in the country. Minor incidents have been reported.

In the meantime, Sri Lanka President and his family members were seen casting their votes at the D.A Rajapaksa Vidyalaya in Medamulana this Morning.

Earlier Sri Lanka President at the Sri Lanka Government appealed for a peaceful poll.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa Calls for Democratic and Peaceful Poll.

The following statement is being issued on behalf of President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka:

“I have decided to call for a Presidential election, two years prior to the completion of my term as I have the fullest confidence in and respect for democracy.

“All campaigning for this election is now concluded. It is a duty and responsibility of all citizens of our country who value democracy to extend their fullest co-operation to the Commissioner of Elections to conduct a free and fair election.

“All necessary instructions have been given by me for the maintenance of law and order. I call upon you to go early tomorrow (26) to your polling station and cast your vote.

“I respectfully call upon our people to safeguard democracy and the dignity of the motherland by united, resolute, calm and peaceful behaviour to ensure Sri Lanka's position in the community of nations as one that respects human rights and protects democracy.”

The following statement is being issued on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka:

“As the campaigning for the Presidential Election, according to scheduled has come to close and polling takes place today January 26, 2010.

The Government of Sri Lanka is aware of the considerable interest abroad in the first such election in which the entire country can participate freely, since the decisive defeat of terrorism in the country in May last year.

“Having restored peace to the country after 30 years of terrorism, the Government of Sri Lanka is wholly committed to a free and democratic election in every part of the country.

“It was precisely because such elections could not occur in a conflict-ridden situation that the Sri Lanka Government took decisive action last year to end the threat posed by persistent terrorism on the country's democratic institutions.

“The Sri Lanka Government calls for a peaceful election, and stands committed to taking whatever steps deemed necessary to ensure the same.”

- Asian Tribune –