A Parliamentary Select Committee reviewing Sri Lanka’s election laws has appointed an expert panel to examine proposals on electoral reforms and submit recommendations.
The decision was taken at a recent meeting of the committee, chaired by Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Prof. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna.
The committee is tasked with reviewing laws relating to elections, excluding those governing Provincial Council elections, and reporting its proposals and recommendations to Parliament.
During the meeting, members reviewed reports of previous Parliamentary Select Committees on electoral reforms issued in 2004, 2007 and 2022, together with 31 reform proposals submitted by individuals and organisations.
Among the key proposals discussed were the introduction of a mixed electoral system for Local Government elections, measures to ensure representation of minority parties and minority communities, increasing women’s representation, introducing electronic voting, facilitating early voting, and extending voting rights to Sri Lankans living overseas.
The committee noted that further study is required on the legal and administrative framework needed to implement some of the proposed reforms.
The newly appointed expert panel will analyse the 31 proposals alongside the findings of previous parliamentary committees and submit a report containing practical recommendations. The committee will review the panel’s recommendations before deciding on the next steps.
The meeting was attended by Committee Member and Minister Dr. Upali Pannilage, and Members of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake, Ruwanthilaka Jayakody and Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan. (Newswire)