21 Apr 2020 | 10:32 AM UTC
Sri Lanka: Parliamentary elections postponed to June 20 /update 5
National Election Commission postpones parliamentary elections to June 20 due to COVID-19; demonstrations expected in coming weeks
Event
The National Election Commission announced that the parliamentary elections, initially scheduled for Saturday, April 25, will now be held on Saturday, June 20, in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Political rallies and demonstrations are expected in the weeks leading up to the election. Protests are also likely at polling stations on the day of elections. A heightened security presence is to be expected in the vicinity of any protest.
Context
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, elected to office on November 16, 2019, dissolved parliament on Monday, March 2, 2020, and called for new parliamentary elections on Saturday, April 25, aiming to obtain a majority.
Advice
Individuals in Sri Lanka are advised to monitor developments, avoid all political gatherings as a precaution, anticipate a heightened security presence, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
