As many as 12,314 polling booths have been set up island-wide and the votes taken to 1419 polling centres. The first results are expected by 10pm on Thursday night which will be the postal votes according to additional Elections Commissioner U.Amaradasa.

The number of registered voters make up a total of 15,044,490.

Candidates representing 17 political parties are in the fray along with two Independent runners.

A special operation will be launched today (January 6)  jointly by police and Election Commission officials to take down cut-outs, banners and posters of candidates.