Select Committee of Parliament to review the laws dealing with Elections (excluding laws dealing with Provincial Council Elections) and report to Parliament and submit its proposals and recommendations in that regard, has appointed an expert panel to review 31 proposals submitted by individuals and organisations on electoral reforms, together with reports of previous Parliamentary Select Committees on electoral reforms.

The decision was taken when the Committee met recently at Parliament under the Chairmanship of the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Prof. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna.

During the meeting, the Committee held extensive discussions on electoral reforms based on the Parliamentary Select Committee reports issued in 2004, 2007 and 2022, as well as the 31 proposals submitted by individuals and organisations, according to a statement issued by the Department of Communication of Parliament.

The Committee considered several key proposals, including the introduction of a mixed electoral system for Local Government elections, ensuring the representation of minority parties and minority groups, increasing women's representation, introducing an electronic voting system, and providing facilities for early voting. Attention was also given to proposals on granting voting rights to Sri Lankans living overseas. 

The Committee emphasised the need for further study of the legal and administrative provisions required to implement such a system, the statement said.

The expert panel appointed by the Committee will analyse the 31 proposals received together with the reports of the previous Parliamentary Select Committees and prepare a report containing practical recommendations. The Committee decided to review the recommendations of the expert panel before taking further action, it added.

The meeting was attended by Committee Member, Minister Dr. Upali Pannilage, and Members of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake, Ruwanthilaka Jayakody, and Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan.