Chairman of the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, has confirmed that the 2024 General Election will proceed as scheduled on November 14, 2024, after the Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging the election date without review.
Rathnayake also announced that 60 polling stations initially planned to be set up in Buddhist temples have been relocated due to the ‘Katina Pinkama’ ceremonies and other considerations. He explained that several groups raised concerns about using temples as polling sites during this ceremonial period.
After consulting the chief prelates of the designated temples, the Election Commission found that 45 out of 2,263 temples expressed concerns due to the ‘Katina Pinkama’ ceremonies, with an additional 15 citing other reasons. Consequently, these 60 polling stations were moved to alternative locations.
Additionally, Rathnayake noted that the distribution of official polling cards will continue until November 7, 2024.
