Govt. moves closer to overseas voting as committee submits proposals for 1.5 m diaspora

Wednesday, 29 April 2026 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A major step toward enfranchising Sri Lanka’s overseas population was taken with the submission of a report outlining legal and operational mechanisms to enable more than 1.5 million citizens abroad to vote in domestic elections.

The proposals, handed over to the Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government Minister, set out a framework covering voter registration, campaigning, voting methods and result management, with authorities signalling plans to take the recommendations to Cabinet and advance implementation following broader consultations.

Accepting the report, the Minister stated that it is unjust to deny the opportunity to decide the country’s governance to Sri Lankans living abroad who contribute immensely to the national economy.

“This is a significant milestone in Sri Lankan history. It incorporates the views of approximately 16 different political parties and civil organisations. After presenting this report to the Cabinet, the Government is prepared to discuss it extensively and take the necessary forward steps,” he added.

The Committee Chairman and Additional Elections Commissioner Attorney-at-Law L.A.P.K. Kulatunga, noted that in preparing this report, individuals were categorised into four groups: migrant workers, students, dual citizens, and those abroad for other purposes.

He further mentioned that the process is proposed to be implemented across four main areas:

1. Voter registration: Mechanisms for the formal registration of migrant workers, students, and dual citizens.

1. Election campaigning: Conducting campaign activities for voters abroad and the impact of the Regulation of Election Expenditure Act.

2. Casting votes: The possibility of voting through embassies, by post, or using secure online methods.

3. Vote counting and release of results.

This committee was appointed in December 2025 following a Cabinet decision to implement

this historic step, which has been under discussion for years. A key highlight is that the report was compiled within a short period of three months, ahead of the expected deadline, after consulting all relevant stakeholders.

While discussions on this matter have persisted since the 1990s, this is the first time a formal

program and a systematic report have been presented to grant voting rights to Sri Lankans abroad. Data and opinions were gathered from political parties, independent organisations, and individuals as well as organisations overseas.

The discussion also highlighted the need to consider introducing Advanced Voting or Mobile Voting systems for essential service personnel such as doctors and customs officers, as well as for fishermen, prisoners, and the bedridden within the country.

The Ministry expects that the recommendations of this report will be opened for public discourse in the future, further strengthening the democratic process of the country.

Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government Ministry Secretary S. Alokabandara, Committee Members including Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry Additional Secretary Dr. M.M.S.B. Yalegama, and Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment General Manager D.D.P. Senanayake were among those present at the occasion.