Sri Lanka conducts second mock poll; election commission satisfied with preparations

The Sri Lankan elections for a new parliament have been long overdue due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, as the country is now easing up its lockdown, the elections will be held on August 05.

Sri Lanka has been carrying out mock elections to test the preparedness of people during the pandemic. The voters and the officials are being asked to follow the new health guidelines.

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Sri Lanka's election commission now, on Sunday, expressed satisfaction over the preparations after holding a second mock poll to test the COVID-19 health guidelines.

"The Sri Lankan voter can be rest assured that the 5 August election for a new parliament can be held safely by following the COVID-19 health guidelines," the National Election Commission (NEC) chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said at a mock poll held in the northwestern region of Puttalam.

"We can hold a safe poll by maintaining distance, washing hands and wearing face masks," Deshapriya said.

The elections, which were to be originally held on April 25, were shifted to June 20 and now to August 05, due to the pandemic.

Sri Lanka has so far recorded 1,880 coronavirus cases and 11 deaths due to the disease.

(With inputs from PTI)