Sri Lanka, July 10 -- Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya yesterday expressed optimism that the health guidelines for the August 5 General Election would be gazetted soon, resolving the current delay and impasse.

"Discussions are underway at the moment with the legal authorities and we are confident that the regulations will be gazetted soon," Chairman Deshapriya told editors and senior journalists of the print media at the Commission yesterday.

"Democracy is a costly exercise, especially this time as we have to spend more than Rs.10 billion to hold this election in line with these health guidelines. Every vote is valuable, every vote counts," Deshapriya said. Deshapriya reiterated his call for all eligible citizens to vote ...