• Some granted access to counting centres

Over 100 international observers are set to arrive in Sri Lanka to monitor the upcoming Presidential Election, with several missions already on the ground, according to local election monitoring agencies.

Among them are representatives from the European Union (EU), Commonwealth, and Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL), while additional groups from Asian countries and Russia are expected to join later this week.

Notably, some observers have been granted access to monitor the counting centres to ensure a more thorough observation of the election process, according to the Election Commission (EC).

Speaking to The Sunday Morning, EC Chairman R.M.A.L. Rathnayake confirmed that international election observers who had already arrived in Sri Lanka had begun their monitoring activities, including the observation of postal voting.

“Observers from the EU, Commonwealth, and ANFREL are already in Sri Lanka. However, the international monitors we have officially invited are yet to arrive. This includes an Asian mission, representatives from seven Asian countries, and a Russian group, all scheduled to arrive on 18 September,” Rathnayake told The Sunday Morning.

When asked about the specific focus areas of the international observer missions, he stated: “The EC has no involvement in their programmes. They have created their own plans on how they will proceed with their observations. They are permitted to enter polling stations and we have also granted access to some monitors to the counting halls.”

Rathnayake also said that the Government did not allocate any funds or facilities for international observers, adding that such support was only extended to local observers.

While he was uncertain about the specific details of their observations, Rathnayake noted that the international monitors were likely to meet and consult with relevant personnel.

Meanwhile, People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi said: “There are approximately 78 observers from the EU, 30 from the Commonwealth, and 10 from ANFREL, totalling around 115 international observers.”

Hettiarachchi said that the EC had also invited Asian election management bodies for a two-day observation. “This year, the total number of international observers will be around 115, which is quite a large number,” he added.