More than 60,000 Sri Lankan police officers have been deployed ahead of tomorrow’s presidential polls, as security is ramped up across the island.
A total of 60,175 police officers will be deployed, alongside 8,080 Civil Defence Force personnel.
Tens of thousands of Sri Lankan soldiers are already stationed across the Tamil North-East, which remains highly militarised since the end of the armed conflict more than a decade ago.
So far, at least 90 people have been arrested over crimes reportedly linked to the election.
"Security has been beefed up to the maximum and we urge all citizens and political parties to maintain calm so that polls can be free and fair," said Sri Lanka’s Police Spokesperson Ruwan Gunasekara.
Over 100 riot squads will also reportedly be on standby, while over 3,000 road blocks will be set up.
"In addition officers from the Special Task Force (ST) will also be stationed in certain areas on election day," Gunasekara added.
