Sri Lankan Police Mobilize Ahead of Crucial Presidential Election

Sri Lankan police have deployed 1,500 workers to remove illegal election posters and cutouts ahead of the upcoming presidential election. The operation targets all election propaganda material that violates the law. Major candidates include incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Sri Lankan police have mobilized 1,500 workers tasked with removing illegal election posters and cutouts from public spaces in preparation for next month's presidential election. The operation is part of a broader crackdown on unlawful election propaganda.

Workers have been recruited at provincial police stations to pull down unsanctioned campaign materials. Each worker will receive Rs 1,500 a day and police protection for the duration of the task, Senior Deputy Inspector of Police (SDIG) in Charge of Elections, Asanka Karawita, confirmed.

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has engaged in discussions with police officials to outline the force's role during the election. Operational guidelines have been issued. With the record number of 39 candidates contesting this year, the election is highly competitive. Leading candidates include the incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, main opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and Marxist JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

(With inputs from agencies.)