The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the appointment of a committee to study legal reforms required to enable Sri Lankans living overseas to vote in elections.
Under the current Constitution and election law, the right to vote is granted only to citizens residing in Sri Lanka whose names are registered in the electoral roll. At present, there is no provision that allows overseas Sri Lankans to cast their votes.
Noting that several Asian countries including India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines already have mechanisms for overseas voting, the government has recognized the need for timely amendments to extend voting rights to Sri Lankan expatriates.
Accordingly, the Cabinet approved a proposal by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government to establish a committee tasked with studying the necessary amendments and drafting new laws to safeguard the voting rights of citizens abroad.
The committee will include representatives from the Elections Commission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Employment and Tourism, Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, along with other relevant ministries and institutions.
