• 22 district election centres manned by snr. cop & 11 others each
• Rajagiriya nat’l office manned by DIG, SSP & 10 cops, 607 security units at Police stations, 45 divisional centres     
• Specific security measures on 15 Aug. nomination day 

The Department of Police assured that all necessary security measures requested by the Election Commission (EC) for the upcoming Presidential Election thus far have been diligently implemented.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (5), the Senior Deputy Inspector of Police (SDIG) in Charge of Elections and Related Activities and Affairs, Asanka Karawita, confirmed that the Department has deployed officers in accordance with the EC’s requests on several occasions. However, he mentioned that no calculation has been made regarding the total number of Police officers assigned to Election duties. Elaborating on the measures taken to ensure security during the pre-Election period, SDIG Karawita noted that 22 District Election centres have been established.

These centres are primarily focused on addressing complaints from the public. "Each office is operated by a senior officer and 11 other officers," he stated. In addition to the district-level offices, SDIG Karawita highlighted the establishment of a national-level investigation office in Rajagiriya. This office is overseen by a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), and 10 other officers, who are responsible for overseeing the entire Election process. 

Stating that the Department has also taken specific measures to ensure security on 15 August, the day when nominations for the Election will be accepted, he explained that the EC has communicated its security requirements through the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, who is currently overseeing the process in the absence of the Inspector General of Police.

Addressing concerns about pre-election violence, SDIG Karawita revealed that 607 election security units have been established in Police stations across the island, along with 45 divisional-level centres. "We have received three complaints thus far," he reported, indicating a proactive approach to maintaining law and order.