Minister to hold talks with all parties on Provincial Council elections

21-Jan-2026

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Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Chandana Abeyratne stated that a committee will soon be appointed to study and recommend the electoral system under which Provincial Council elections should be conducted. He added that discussions will be held with all political parties represented in Parliament.

The Minister affirmed the government’s firm position that the Provincial Council elections must be held without further delay, but noted that fundamental legal and technical issues must first be resolved.

Following differing views from various groups on whether to conduct the elections under the old or new system, Parliament has approved a proposal to appoint a 12-member committee to examine the matter and submit recommendations.

The Speaker is expected to appoint the committee shortly, ensuring representation from all opposition parties, with an official announcement anticipated next week.

The Minister urged all opposition parties to cooperate in resolving the legal obstacles through Parliament and reiterated the government’s readiness to engage in open discussions with all political parties on the Provincial Council elections.