Despite the absence of an Inspector General of Police, all necessary security measures and deployment of officers are in place to deal with violations of election laws, according to internal sources in the police department.
Inside sources say that the Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) Asanga Karawita, who oversees election-related matters, is coordinating with the Senior Deputy Inspector Generals across the provinces to ensure the smooth conduct of the presidential election.
It is also reported that the guidelines and circulars of the Election Commission have already been distributed to all senior police officers to ensure compliance with the Commission’s decisions.
Currently, the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Western Province and the officer in charge of Mirihana Division are supervising the security of the Election Commission in Rajagiriya. So far, eleven police officers have been deployed for its security. The number will be increased as needed.
Apart from this, special police protection will also be deployed at the Government Printing Department during the printing of ballot papers. Discussions are ongoing with the relevant authorities to determine the necessary security arrangements and additional personnel will be deployed as required.