No Obstacle to Holding Provincial Council Elections if Funds Allocated, Says Rohana Hettiarachchi

28-May-2026

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Executive Director of the PAFFREL organisation Rohana Hettiarachchi stated that there would be no obstacle to conducting Provincial Council elections within this year if funds had been allocated and Parliament unanimously agreed to amend the law.

He made these remarks while addressing the media regarding recent discussions held with political parties on conducting Provincial Council elections.

Hettiarachchi further stated that National People’s Power Secretary Nihal Abeysinghe had informed them that the government was prepared to hold Provincial Council elections once the report of the Parliamentary Select Committee appointed to study the matter was received, and that budgetary allocations had already been made for the election.

He noted that four opposition members serving on the Parliamentary Select Committee had also participated in discussions with them and expressed support for conducting elections without delay.

In addition, representatives of all political parties who attended the discussions had reached a general consensus to temporarily revert to the old electoral system for the postponed Provincial Council elections.

According to Hettiarachchi, if the government decides in line with the wishes of the majority of political parties, the existing law could be amended through a minor revision to restore the previous system, enabling elections to be held within five to six months.

He further stated that although a legal quota had not been formally introduced for women and youth representation, political parties had agreed to provide a 25 per cent quota for women and youth candidates in their nomination lists.

“Therefore, if funds have been allocated and all parties in Parliament agree to amend the law, there will be no obstacle to conducting Provincial Council elections within this year,” he added.