Under these laws, holding political speeches in religious places of worship or schools are banned completely while new projects other than those already scheduled should be started and candidates should refrain from handing out gifts to voters to induce them to vote in their favour.

Speaking to media recently, Deshapriya also warned that any public official who allowed the abuse of state resources at the elections could be jailed for up to three years or fined.

Nominations for the upcoming General election will end on July 13.

Mr. Deshapriya who retired from service last month at the age of 60 will continue in office as the Commissioner of Elections until an Elections Commission is constituted under the provisions of the 19th Amendment.

No parades

Meanwhile, police media spokesman - ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said that the Police will provide its utmost support to ensure security during the election period which will end a week after the end of election on August 17.

ASP Gunasekara also said that a center for monitoring election violence has been established at the Police Headquarters to look into election related issues and reports of violence that may occur anywhere and any persons directly or indirectly involved in such acts can be brought to the notice of this center at Police Headquarters.

During the election period, vehicle parades and marches have been prohibited and election rules and regulations would be strictly enforced, he added.