Local elections are taking place in much of northern Sri Lanka. Some areas are holding polls for the first time in almost three decades because of the protracted civil war which ended in 2009. The polling began at 7 O'clock in the morning and will end at 4 in the evening. Voters will elect Councilors for 65 local bodies. These include one Municipal Council area, 9 Urban Council areas and 55 Pradeshiya Saba areas. All measures are in place to conduct a free and fair election.