Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday released a special statement calling on the people to extend their full cooperation to those conducting today’s Presidential election.His statement is as follows: “By setting up independent Commissions by amending the 19th Constitution, we have taken steps to create a democratic, legitimate, just and fair environment in the country. All arrangements were made to hold what would be the first presidential election to take place in such a peaceful environment.”

“The Election Commission provided all the required facilities and directions to conduct a free and fair election, and instructions were given to the three armed forces and the police to provide the necessary security to complement them. It is our duty and responsibility as citizens to extend our full cooperation to the institutions concerned and the officer concerned in order to hold free, fair and peaceful elections.”

“We should reinforce this peaceful climate and not allow an indecent political culture to be created as in the past. Hence I ask you to extend your support to hold a peaceful and fair election today by casting your vote peacefully.”“I ask you in particular to respect the law and to maintain peace even after the results of the elections have been declared.”