Special committee report on voting rights for overseas Sri Lankans handed over to Minister
28-Apr-2026.
The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government stated that the report containing recommendations of the special committee appointed to develop legal and procedural mechanisms enabling Sri Lankans residing abroad to vote in national elections has been officially handed over to the Minister.
The Ministry further stated that the report was submitted on April 27.
The Minister, commenting after receiving the report, noted that it is unjust to exclude over 1.5 million Sri Lankans living abroad—who significantly contribute to the national economy—from participating in the country’s governance. He described the initiative as a historic turning point in Sri Lanka’s political history, adding that inputs from multiple political parties and 16 civil society organisations had been incorporated. The report will be presented to the Cabinet for further review and action.
Committee Chairman, former Election Commissioner Attorney-at-Law L.A.P.K. Kularatne stated that overseas Sri Lankans have been categorised into four groups: migrant workers, students, dual citizens, and others residing abroad for various reasons.
He outlined four key operational areas proposed:
Voter registration mechanisms for overseas Sri Lankans
Election campaigning and regulation of election expenses
Voting methods including embassies, postal voting, or secure online systems
Vote counting and declaration of results
The committee was appointed in December 2025 by Cabinet decision and completed its report within three months, ahead of schedule, after consulting all stakeholders. This marks the first structured proposal for overseas voting rights in Sri Lanka, despite discussions ongoing since the 1990s.
In addition, the report discusses possible early or mobile voting systems for essential service personnel, including doctors, customs officers, fishermen, prisoners, and patients. The recommendations will be opened for public discussion in the future, it is expected.
