The People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has submitted proposals to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, calling for a practical mechanism to grant voting rights to Sri Lankan citizens living overseas.
In a letter addressed to Minister Dr. A.H.M. Chandana Abayaratne, PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi welcomed the appointment of a committee to gather views on securing voting rights for overseas Sri Lankans, estimated at nearly three million, who contribute significantly to the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
PAFFREL also expressed optimism over the appointment of Additional Elections Commissioner Chinthaka Kularatne as Chairman of the committee, citing his legal background and experience within the Election Commission.
The organisation proposed that the formulation of an overseas voting system should run parallel with efforts to secure voting rights for nearly one million eligible voters currently residing in Sri Lanka who are unable to cast their ballots on election day due to various constraints.
PAFFREL further suggested that, in addition to written submissions due by February 15, 2026, individuals and organisations should be allowed to present their views directly before the committee.
Emphasising the urgency of the issue, PAFFREL stated that if a system is developed in 2026, it could be implemented in upcoming elections. The organisation reaffirmed its support for the initiative and expressed confidence that the voting rights of hundreds of thousands of disenfranchised voters could be secured through this process.
