A special meeting was held at Parliament yesterday to chart the future work of the Expert Panel appointed to reform Sri Lanka’s electoral system, excluding Provincial Council elections, with the aim of making it more efficient, transparent, and responsive to public expectations.

The discussion was chaired by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government A.H.M.H. Abeyaratne, who also heads the Parliamentary Select Committee tasked with reviewing election laws and submitting proposals to Parliament.

Committee members Ruwanthilaka Jayakody, Attorney‑at‑Law Thushari Jayasinghe, and Chandima Hettiarachchi joined the meeting, which focused on the role of the Expert Panel, the scope of matters to be reviewed, and the process for the next stages.

The Panel is expected to conduct an in‑depth review of 31 proposals submitted by citizens and organizations concerning electoral reforms. Relevant studies and research from universities and institutions will also be considered. 

The review period has been set at two months, during which the Panel will not only identify shortcomings in the current system but, where necessary, recommend the establishment of a new electoral system and culture with more constructive features.

Officials stated that the ultimate objective is not merely to introduce piecemeal amendments.

Instead, the Committee aims to present Parliament with a comprehensive report containing policy and legislative recommendations for a more credible, democratic, and efficient electoral system suited to current needs and the expectations of the people.

The meeting marked the formal start of the Expert Panel’s work, which is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Sri Lanka’s electoral future. (Newswire)

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The government has appointed another member to the 09-member Presidential Commission appointed to propose amendments to Sri Lanka’s electoral system

The appointment has been announced via a Gazette notification issued by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, dated November 02, 2023. 

As per the Gazette, Alan Carmichael Vere David Esquire has been appointed as the new member of the Presidential Commission chaired by retired Chief Justice Priyasath Dep.

The members of the 10-member Commission are as follows;

1. Hon. Justice Wewage Priyasath Gerard Dep Esquire, PC – Retired Chief Justice 
2. Suntharam Arumainayaham Esquire 
3. Senanayake Alisandaralage Esquire 
4. Nalin Jayantha Abeysekara Esquire, PC 
5. Rajitha Naveen Christopher Senaratna Perera Esquire 
6. Ahamed Lebbe Mohamed Saleem Esquire 
7. Madam Sagarica Delgoda 
8. Madam Esther Sriyani Nimalka Fernando
9. Vitharanage Deepani Samantha Rodrigo Esquire 
10. Alan Carmichael Vere David Esquire

The Commission is tasked with obtaining and submitting information, investigating, inquiring into and examining all existing election laws and regulations, and making necessary recommendations for the amendment of election laws within 6 months to suit current needs.

Gazette : http://documents.gov.lk/files/egz/2023/11/2356-29_E.pdf (NewsWire)

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A Gazette notification has been issued on the appointment of members to the Commission appointed to propose amendments to Sri Lanka’s electoral system.

A 09-member commission has been appointed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to propose electoral reforms. 

The commission will be headed by retired Chief Justice Priyasath Dep, as per the Gazette notification issued on Monday (Oct 16).

The remaining members of the commission are as follows:

• Suntharam Arumainayaham Esquire 
• Senanayake Alisandaralage Esquire 
• Nalin Jayantha Abeysekara Esquire, PC 
• Rajitha Naveen Christopher Senaratna Perera Esquire 
• Ahamed Lebbe Mohamed Saleem Esquire 
• Madam Sagarica Delgoda 
• Madam Esther Sriyani Nimalka Fernando
• Vitharanage Deepani Samantha Rodrigo Esquire

Gazette : http://documents.gov.lk/files/egz/2023/10/2354-06_E.pdf (NewsWire)

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