Strict security measures are in place in Sri Lanka for its presidential elections today. Seventy thousand police officers have been deployed throughout the country to prevent violence.

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 rivalry between the two main candidates has led to serious violence during the elections campaigns.

Last week four political murders took place, and there have been hundreds of violent incidents in connection with the election. Bomb blasts have been reported from the Tamil region of Vavuniya ahead of the poll.

Around 20,000 national and international observers are monitoring the polling in Sri Lanka. The result is expected on Wednesday.

Photo: President Mahinda Rajapkse campaigning - ANP