A report containing proposals made by the public and various organizations for the review of laws related to the electoral system in Sri Lanka has been submitted to the Parliamentary Special Committee. The report is seen as an important step in the ongoing efforts to bring about changes in the country’s electoral procedures.
According to information released on October 14, 2026, the report was submitted by a panel of experts appointed to examine public proposals. A report was submitted to Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee and Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Professor A.H.M.H. Abhayavaratna.
The main objective of this special committee is to review the laws related to elections and make recommendations to the Parliament regarding the amendments to be made in them. However, laws relating to provincial assembly elections are excluded from this review.
31 proposals and expert review
31 proposals made by the public and various organizations regarding electoral reforms are prominent in this study. Along with these, the reports issued by the previously appointed parliamentary committees regarding the elections are also scrutinized.
The panel of experts appointed for this study consists of experienced persons from various fields. This includes Salary and Pension Commission Chairman Ashoka Peiris, Delimitation Commission Chairman Saman Sri Ratnayake, Kelani University Dean of Social Sciences Professor Saminda Abeysinghe, Delimitation Committee Member Kalanithi K. Thavalingam and former Governor of Northern Province B.S.M. Charles.
The chairman of the special committee said that the issues and themes found in the proposals submitted by various organizations and organizations have been examined separately and reports have been prepared.
This approach leads to examining the concepts presented on their merits rather than treating them as a single general proposition. At the same time, it creates an opportunity to consider the studies already done when recommending changes to electoral laws.
Electoral system is not limited to the activities of political parties. It is also related to issues such as the people choosing their representatives, the rights of voters being protected and the laws relating to election procedures being clear.
Therefore, when any decision regarding electoral reforms is taken, it is necessary to take into account the opinions of various parties. In this context it is significant that proposals are received and examined from the public, organizations and political parties.
Interim report in two months: Extension of time for political parties
Not only citizens and organizations but also political parties have submitted proposals regarding electoral reforms. The chairman of the special committee said that he expects to analyze all the opinions received and submit an interim report to the parliament within two months.
Meanwhile, the deadline for registered political parties to submit their suggestions and proposals on revising election-related laws has been extended by another two weeks.
This extension gives an additional opportunity to political parties that have not already submitted comments or need to prepare further proposals. The panel said that members of the panel of experts can also submit their individual proposals if they wish.
Further, the minister mentioned that even after the submission of the interim report, the citizens of the country are expected to be given an opportunity to present their amendments and new proposals. This also makes it clear that public participation does not end with the Interim Report.
In the next phase of this process, how the proposals are reviewed, which of them are accepted as recommendations, and how steps are taken to amend the law will be crucial.
It remains to be seen how much public opinion is actually reflected in this attempt at electoral reforms. It is important not only to receive proposals, but also to analyze them openly and make decisions with proper reasons.
Overall, contributions from the public, experts, organizations and political parties are being brought together in the process of revising Sri Lanka’s electoral laws. With an interim report scheduled to be submitted within two months, information on next steps and proposed amendments is important. Whether this process translates into practical changes remains to be seen in the future.