By The Pulseline News Desk
Sri Lanka has continued discussions on proposed legislative amendments to enable Sri Lankans living overseas to exercise their voting rights, with election officials considering voter registration procedures and possible mechanisms for casting ballots from abroad.
The latest round of discussions was held on Tuesday (27) between officials of the Election Commission and a committee appointed to examine the issue and make recommendations on introducing overseas voting.
Commissioner General of Elections Rasika Peiris has said voter registration for Sri Lankans residing overseas was discussed extensively during the meeting.
He has added that work on developing a framework for overseas voter registration is expected to begin next year in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The proposed framework is intended to address the practical arrangements required to facilitate the participation of eligible Sri Lankan citizens living abroad in the country’s electoral process.
Discussions are also continuing on the most appropriate mechanism for overseas voting. Options under consideration include advance voting, postal voting and other suitable arrangements that could enable expatriates to cast their ballots.
Peiris has said the relevant mechanism would be formally proposed and finalised following further deliberations.
The ongoing discussions form part of efforts to examine the legislative and administrative changes necessary to introduce overseas voting. However, the final arrangements, including the registration process and the method of voting, have yet to be determined.
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