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Over 65,000 Sri Lankan police officers have been deployed for election duties to maintain law and order. Local media reports further suggest that a record of 75,589 candidates, representing 49 recognised political parties and 257 independent groups are contesting in this year's elections

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath made the statement while responding to a question on budget allocation debate in the parliament here.

Trade between the two nations has been growing significantly since the disintegration of former Soviet Union in 1991