Parliamentary committee to seek public views on reviewing election laws

By The Pulseline News Desk

A Parliamentary Select Committee appointed to review laws relating to elections, excluding Provincial Council election laws, has decided to seek public opinion as part of its review process.

The committee, tasked with reviewing election-related legislation and submitting recommendations to Parliament, had recently held its inaugural meeting at Parliament under the chairmanship of Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Chandana Abayarathna.

The committee has been assigned the responsibility of reviewing key laws governing the country’s electoral system, including the Registration of Electors Act, the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance, the Parliamentary Elections Act, and the Presidential Elections Act, along with amendments introduced to these laws over the years.

In addition to reviewing the existing legal framework, the committee will also assess the need to revise, amend, and consolidate election laws and recommend necessary reforms to strengthen the current electoral system.

To facilitate a comprehensive study, the committee has been granted powers to summon individuals before it, request documents and reports, and obtain evidence either orally or in writing whenever deemed necessary.

The committee is also authorised to obtain the assistance of experts and professionals with specialized knowledge in relevant fields to support its work.

Members of the committee have unanimously agreed to gather public views and enhance public awareness regarding the review process.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala, and Members of Parliament (MPs) Ravi Karunanayake, J.C. Alawathuwala, Harshana Rajakaruna, Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugadasan, Ruwanthilaka Jayakody, Thushari Jayasinghe, and Chandima Hettiarachchi.