Elections Commission Urges Parliamentary Committee to Expedite Report on Provincial Council Elections
31-Oct-2026.
The Elections Commission Chairman, R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, said that the Commission had urged the Parliamentary Select Committee examining Provincial Council elections to expedite measures to resolve the legal issues surrounding the Provincial Council Elections Act and submit its report to Parliament without further delay.
He made these remarks when questioned about the extension of the committee's term until December 17 and the progress of the Provincial Council election process.
He further stated:
"We have appeared before the Parliamentary Select Committee examining Provincial Council elections and submitted several proposals. We have put forward proposals in line with the amendments recommended by the Attorney General's Department, which would enable Provincial Council elections to be held under the previous electoral system.
"We have urged the committee to examine the proposals and recommendations promptly and arrive at a firm decision. The functioning of Provincial Councils without elected representatives is contrary to democratic principles.
"The Elections Commission does not have the authority to decide on the conduct of Provincial Council elections at present. This is because certain provisions of the new electoral system introduced in 2017 have not been fulfilled, creating uncertainty over which electoral system should be followed.
"A clear decision must be taken by Parliament regarding the electoral system. Only then will we be in a position to make official decisions concerning the conduct of Provincial Council elections. We expect the Parliamentary Select Committee to arrive at a decision without delay.
"We have also submitted proposals concerning women's representation, taking into consideration the issues raised by the committee. Attention is now being given to youth representation, and we will submit proposals on that matter as well. We have decided to hold discussions with political parties on this issue.
"We have urged the Parliamentary Select Committee to expedite its examination of Provincial Council elections and submit its report to Parliament. It is understood that the report is expected to be submitted next month. We expect the committee to submit its report without seeking a further extension of its term," he said.
