The government has imposed nationwide restrictions on vehicle movement ahead of the 13th national election and referendum scheduled for Thursday.
Under the restrictions, motorcycle movement will be completely banned across the country for three consecutive days, starting from 12am on Tuesday.
In addition, all types of vehicle movement will be suspended nationwide from 12am on Wednesday until 12am on Thursday, the day of voting.
The directives were detailed in a gazette notification issued by the Road Transport and Highways Division.
On polling day, taxicabs, pickups, microbuses, and trucks will be barred from operating. This restriction will be in force for 24 hours, from 12am on Wednesday to 12am on Thursday.
However, the restrictions will be relaxed in certain cases for emergency needs and election-related activities.
Vehicles exempted from the ban include:
Vehicles of law enforcement agencies, armed forces, and the administration
Accredited election observers and journalists (subject to displaying passes and stickers)
Vehicles carrying emergency services, medicines, medical supplies, and newspapers
Airport-bound and returning overseas passengers (upon showing passport and ticket)
Long-distance passenger buses and inter-district transport
Emergency telecommunications services operated by BTRC-licensed organizations
The notification also states that, with the permission of the returning officer, each contesting candidate and their election agent will be allowed to use one small vehicle (jeep, car, or microbus).
District magistrates or metropolitan police commissioners will have the authority to tighten or relax the restrictions further, depending on local conditions.
Voting will take place on Thursday from 7:30am to 4:30pm without any breaks.
