The discussion focused on assessing the conduct of previous elections in Sri Lanka in terms of transparency and inclusivity, as well as evaluating the institutional, legal, and operational frameworks governing elections. It also aimed to understand the capacity and readiness of key electoral institutions, including the Election Commission, and the engagement of political stakeholders.
The representatives of the UN Technical Electoral Needs Assessment Mission noted Sri Lanka’s established electoral mechanisms and reiterated their readiness to assist in addressing challenges to ensure transparency and integrity in the electoral process. Discussions also centered on enhancing women’s and minority community participation, digitalizing aspects of the electoral process, and exploring the potential for enabling overseas voting for Sri Lankan citizens.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the importance of viewing the electoral process holistically and underscored the need to encourage women’s participation not only as candidates but also as active voters. She further reiterated that preventing violence, corruption, and the misuse of state resources is essential to ensuring that elections are conducted in a free, fair, and democratic manner.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, and senior officials from the United Nations Headquarters and UNDP Sri Lanka, including Michele Griffin, Director of the Electoral Assistance Division, DPPA; Dan Malinovich, Electoral Policy Specialist; Amanda Stark, Political Affairs Officer, Asia and the Pacific Division, DPPA-DPO; and Mikyong Kim, Political/Electoral Affairs Officer, Electoral Assistance Division, DPPA.
