The extraordinary gazette notification containing the preferential numbers of candidates in 22 districts will be published shortly, says the Government Printer.

The Chairman of the Election Commission Mahinda Deshapriya said on Monday (08) that preferential numbers will be issued to candidates through the District Election Offices from today.

In a media briefing following a meeting of the members of the Elections Commission, Deshapriya also revealed that the date for the General Election will be declared within this week.

In early May, the Elections Commission had announced that issuance of preferential numbers would be halted temporarily until the Supreme Court issues its verdict on the Fundamental Rights (FR) petitions filed against the date fixed for holding the General Election 2020.

The petitions were filed by seven parties including Attorney at Law Charitha Gunaratne, Center for Policy Alternatives (CPA), and Journalist Victor Ivan, Samagi Jana Balawegaya.

However, the Supreme Court on June 02, refused to grant leave to proceed with the FR petitions challenging the General Election date.

The following day, health guidelines pertaining to holding the General Election were handed over to the Election Commission chairman. The guidelines include instructions on carrying out postal voting, election campaign rallies, canvassing, voting on the day of the election and ballot paper counting for holding the General Election while ensuring hygienic safety.