Mar 25, Colombo: Sri Lanka's Election Commissioner has made a special request from all candidates contesting for the coming provincial council polls in the Eastern Province to refrain from using government property for canvassing.

Also, the Commissioner has banned all transfers, promotions of public servants, and recruitment to government institutions during this time.

A restriction has been imposed on conduct of exhibitions, ceremonies and mobile services using public funds in the Eastern Province until the conclusion of the election. According to Election Department sources, issuing of ballot papers will commence by April 16. The number of voters qualifying for the election totals 987,721, sources added.