The Parliamentary Select Committee appointed to review the country’s election laws held its inaugural meeting on May 25, agreeing to seek public opinions and raise wider awareness of the review process.
Chaired by Minister Prof. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna, the committee is tasked with examining the Registration of Electors Act, the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance, the Parliamentary Elections Act and the Presidential Elections Act. Provincial Council polls, which remain stalled over separate legal hurdles, fall outside its scope.
The committee agreed at its first sitting to invite submissions from the public and to broaden awareness of the review. It is empowered to summon individuals, obtain documents and evidence, and engage specialists as it assesses possible reforms.
Deputy Sunil Watagala and Members of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake, J.C. Alawathuwala, Harshana Rajakaruna and Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan were among those who attended.
The 12-member committee was appointed earlier this month to undertake a comprehensive review of the electoral framework, and Monday’s meeting marks the start of its public consultation phase.
