Stock of fake ballot papers found in official vehicle

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Several occasions where presidential election laws were violated had been reported across the island. Police arrested a man for the possession of posters criticizing a candidate at Madampe. Police said the suspect was in possession of posters and handbills which brought disrepute to candidates contesting at the Presidential Election. According to the police, 3,850 posters and handbills were seized from the residence based on a tip-off received by the Police. Police Media Spokesperson, SSP Ruwan Gunesekara: "During this period of hiatus, police discovered 5900 leaflets that included defamatory information against a particular political party, in Asgiriya, Kandy yesterday. Police also arrested one suspect who was released on bail. We found another stock of defamatory posters in Madampe this morning. We arrested one suspect." Meanwhile, 58 fake ballot papers were discovered inside a van used to transport ballot boxes in the Hambantota district. According to the Police, the driver of the van was arrested. The van had arrived at the Hambantota Suchi National School and was due to transport ballot boxes to the Iththademaliya polling station in the Mulkirigala electorate. News 1st correspondent stated that the stock of fake ballot papers was discovered near the driver's seat when the officers had entered the van to transport the ballot boxes. There were no markings in the fake ballot papers and the sole statement "to inform and enlighten the voters" was printed on them.