These areas had been identified as those vulnerable to violence based on information received by the Elections Commission and security forces, hence the additional security measures were taken, according to Police Headquarters sources.

Meanwhile, Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara said 65,758 security personnel would be deployed for election duties.

Of them, 26,840 police personnel will be deployed to 13,420 polling centres, he said adding that 3,225 mobile patrols were also deployed to further enhance security measures.

The armed forces would also be deployed to vulnerable areas if required, he further noted.