Security has been tight across Sri Lanka as the nation head to the polls, choosing a president in the first countrywide elections since a 25-year civil war ended in May.

The two men who led Sri Lanka to victory against the Tamil Tigers separatists -- President Mahinda Rajapaksa and General Sarath Fonseka -- are now bitter political foes, each hoping to win post-war leadership of the country.

A confident Rajapaksa cast his vote in his hometown in southern Sri Lanka.

[Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lankan President]:
"Today's victory will be remarkable. It is seen as evident, with voters across the nation participating towards our victory."

Although there are 20 other contenders and no reliable opinion polls, many expect a close election between Rajapaksa and Fonseka, whose campaign platforms are similar.

Both have pledged pay increases to Sri Lanka's bloated public sector and promised rural development.

Voters say they want a chance at a better future.

[Murugash Sivapalan, School Principal]:
"This time is very quiet election we feel in Vavuniya, and we hope for the best, and I'm sure that we will have better future, and if we all get together and united, united we stand, we can do wonders and this is what my expectations are and many people are thinking like that. Let us forget about the past. Past is past. Let bygones be bygones."

Despite calls for calm from both major candidates, there have been over 800 violent incidents and at least four deaths so far.

Before polls opened on Monday, loud blasts were heard in the northern city of Jaffna, with no one wounded and the cause of the blasts unclear.

More than 14 million people are registered to vote and results are expected Wednesday.