The presidential election in Sri Lanka has passed relatively peacefully, in spite of a series of five explosions on the northern peninsula of Jaffna. No casualties were reported. The election campaign has been marred by violence.

Strict security measures were in place for today’s elections. Seventy thousand police officers were deployed throughout the country.

There are 22 candidates for the presidency. Among them is incumbent President Mahinda Rajapkse. His main rival is retired general Sarath Fonseka. Both are claiming they played a leading role in last year's clamp down on the Tamil Tigers. The rebel group was driven out of its stronghold and defeated after 25 years of fighting last May.

The former general, Sarath Fonseka, has complained that he was unable to vote, as his name was not on the electoral register at his local polling station.

Turnout is estimated to be around 60 percent. Around 20,000 national and international observers monitored the poll. The result is expected on Wednesday.

Photo: Mahinda Rajapkse campaigning - ANP