Electoral Commissioner Says Parliamentary Action Needed on Provincial Council Elections

01-Aug-2025

.

Only Parliament can resolve the legal ambiguity surrounding the electoral system to be used for the Provincial Council elections, says Election Commissioner General Saman Sri Rathnayake. 

Once a clear electoral mechanism is decided, the Commission is ready to proceed with the elections.

He highlighted that within the past 10 months, three elections had been successfully conducted, including the local government elections under Supreme Court guidance. Local authorities have since been established.

Rathnayake reiterated the Commission’s position that operating Provincial Councils without elected representatives is undemocratic and elections should be held promptly. He pointed out that previous 

Supreme Court interpretations have left unresolved legal issues over whether to use the old or a new electoral system.

Recommendations have been submitted to various parliamentary select committees. If postal voting is to be extended to media personnel and others on duty during election day, legislative amendments are required. He urged Parliament to take necessary action.