Sri Lanka, May 4 -- All arrangements have been finalised to hold the long-awaited Local Government (LG) Elections on May 6, marking a significant return to grassroots democracy after a seven-year hiatus.

All campaign-related activities, including public meetings and speeches, came to an end at midnight yesterday (Saturday), in keeping with the election silence period mandated by the Election Commission (EC).

Over 70,000 police personnel have been deployed across the country to ensure a safe, fair, and orderly voting process, Commissioner General of Elections, Saman Sri Ratnayake, told the Sunday Observer yesterday.

Ratnayake said that over 72,000 candidates are contesting the poll and added that nominations have been submitted in accor...