Sri Lanka sets election for August 5, tests out virus prevention measures

Sri Lanka's elections commission on Wednesday set the country's parliamentary election date for August 5, after previously postponing the poll due to spread of the new coronavirus.  The original date was April 26, which had been postponed to June 20. On Sunday, elections officials tested out voting procedures using measures such as protective gear, social distancing and disposable pens.

The trial vote was held at a Buddhist temple which will be used as a polling centre in the poll. The commission said the cost for the election will be 50 percent higher because of the precautions. The government has lifted most of the restrictions imposed to control its spread. The country has had 1,859 cases and 11 deaths.