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Election Commission prepares for challenges with over 1.1 million new voters and lengthy ballot papers

Published

2 years ago

2024/08/10

R.M.A.L. Rathnayake

There are over 1.1 million new voters since the last election in Sri Lanka, R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, Chairman of the Election Commission has said.He also mentioned that more than 17.1 million voters are eligible to vote on 21 September at the Presidential election.

Rathnayake noted that there were 36 candidates in the 2020 election, and he anticipates an even greater number this time, which could present significant challenges.

“We have discussed this with the government printer. The ballot paper cannot exceed a length of 27 inches due to the limitations of the printing machines at the government printer. If this length is exceeded, we will have to redesign the ballot paper, possibly printing it in an A4 format. Last time, we accommodated 36 names, which took up 26 inches,” Rathnayake said.

He also pointed out that a lengthy ballot paper could impact the number of ballot boxes required and the process of counting votes.

“A lengthy ballot paper also poses difficulties for voters, as it takes longer to locate their preferred candidate when the list is very long. This increases the average time spent voting, which, in turn, affects the overall time taken to cast votes,” he added.

Rathnayake highlighted that this election marks the first time the new campaign finance laws, under the Regulation of Election Expenditure Act No. 3 of 2023, will come into effect. Several discussions with stakeholders have already taken place. He noted that these campaign finance laws will only become effective once nominations are called for the Presidential Election.

“Within five days after the nomination period ends, representatives of political parties will be summoned to the election secretariat to determine how much a candidate can spend per voter during the campaign. We have already consulted relevant state entities and other election stakeholders. After considering all inputs, the Election Commission will set the spending limits for candidates,” Rathnayake explained.

He further stated that candidates are required to submit their expenditure reports within 21 days after the election concludes. The Election Commission must then make these reports public within 10 days, after which the public can lodge complaints regarding candidate expenditures.

Rathnayake assured that the absence of an Inspector General of Police (IGP) has not affected the Election Commission. The Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security has guaranteed that an adequate number of police officers will be provided to ensure a free and fair election.

“In late July, we requested the Secretary to the President to appoint an IGP or an acting IGP to coordinate with us throughout the election period. We received a response indicating that the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security has been directed to supply the necessary number of police officers. We subsequently met with the Secretary and the Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) responsible for elections. We have also spoken to all Senior DIGs and the STF commandant, and everyone has agreed to provide the necessary security,” he said. (RK)

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A Joint Regional Initiative to Ensure the Digital Safety of Children

Published

2 hours ago

2026/09/23

Priyan

A special discussion on developing a joint national and regional programme to protect children and young people from the risks they face in the digital environment and on social media was held at the Prime Minister’s Office on September 21, under the patronage of Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, with the participation of representatives of UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The discussion emphasised the need to implement future measures on child digital safety across three key areas.

It was agreed that these measures should focus on awareness and empowerment, the “Safety by Design” concept, and legislation and enforcement.

First, attention was focused on raising awareness among children, parents and teachers on digital literacy and safe internet use. The Digital Task Force, with the support of UNICEF, has already drafted Online Safety Guidelines for Children, and the Ministry of Education is currently taking steps to introduce these guidelines at the earliest opportunity.

The importance of the “Safety by Design” concept, which ensures that the safety and privacy of children are incorporated from the outset when designing digital platforms, was also highlighted. It was noted that, rather than engaging with global technology companies as an individual country, building regional cooperation representing a population of nearly two billion would provide a stronger foundation for advocating for a safer digital environment.

As a step towards advancing such regional cooperation, a regional conference is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka in the first half of 2027, based on a proposal by the WHO. Prior to this, a special Roundtable Dialogue, with the support of WHO and UNICEF, is also planned, bringing together the Ministries of Education; Women and Child Affairs; Justice; Public Security; Health; and Digital Economy.

Attention was also drawn to further strengthening the legal and technological measures already being implemented by the relevant government institutions. The forthcoming Roundtable Dialogue is expected to provide further guidance on the way forward in this regard.

UNICEF Representative Emma Brigham and WHO Representative Dr. Rajesh Pandav, together with other representatives, participated in the discussion.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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PM meets with IMF delegation

Published

2 hours ago

2026/09/23

Priyan

The IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, Evan Papageorgiou, and accompanying representatives of the IMF met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament on Tuesday [22 September], with the key objective of sharing the experience and outcomes of Sri Lanka’s IMF-supported programme , with special emphasis on its seventh review .

The Prime Minister noted the progress made in managing the economy amid challenges, emphasizing the Government’s commitment to maintaining economic stability and strengthening resilience despite a sequence of external shocks. Reflecting on the two years progress of the Government after assuming office, the Prime Minister further noted that the engagement with the IMF has been a positive experience, with open and transparent dialogue, and appreciated the IMF’s willingness to continue its support for the government’s efforts to move beyond economic stability towards sustained economic growth. The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of effectively managing external factors and noted that future engagement with development partners should focus on achieving sustainable, accountable and inclusive growth.

During the discussion attention was also drawn to the proposed amendments to the Anti-Corruption Act, with emphasis on the importance of maintaining the balance between the privacy and transparency of information reported to the CIABOC through assets declaration.

The meeting was attended by the IMF Resident Representative to Sri Lanka Ms. Martha Tesfaye Woldemichael, Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, additional secretary to the Prime Minister Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta and representatives from the Central Bank.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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Ms. P. M. Jayadeera (Engineer) appointed Director General of Irrigation

Published

7 hours ago

2026/09/23

Priyan

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation to appoint Ms. P. M. Jayadeera (Engineer) in the Special Grade of Sri Lanka Engineering Service serving at present as the Additional Secretary (Water Resources Development) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation to the post of Director General which will be vacant from 06.10.2026.