10-member commission appointed to review and amend election laws

President Ranil Wickremesinghe issued a gazette notification, appointing a 10-member commission of inquiry, with retired Chief Justice Priyasath Dep leading the commission. 

The commission's primary task is to thoroughly review all current election laws and regulations, conduct investigations, inquiries and assessments and subsequently make recommendations for essential amendments to align these laws with contemporary requirements.

The commission has been entrusted with completing this comprehensive process within a 6-month timeframe. 

The appointed members of the commission are as follows:

1. Justice Wewage Priyasath Gerard Dep, PC - Retired Chief Justice
2. Suntharam Arumainayaham
3. Senanayake Alisandaralage
4. Nalin Jayantha Abeysekara, PC
5. Rajitha Naveen Christopher Senaratna Perera
6. Ahamed Lebbe Mohamed Saleem
7. Ms. Sagarica Delgoda
8. Ms. Esther Sriyani Nimalka Fernando
9. Vitharanage Deepani Samantha Rodrigo 
10. Alan Carmichael Vere David

The commission has been tasked with examining all existing election laws and regulations and providing recommendations for necessary amendments. These recommendations will give special consideration to various factors, including increasing the representation of women and youth, introducing electronic voting using modern technology instead of traditional printed ballot papers, and facilitating voting by Sri Lankans residing overseas.

Furthermore, the commission will make recommendations for the formulation of media standards to guide the appropriate use of media by political parties and independent groups. They will also propose a code of conduct for political parties, independent groups, and their members in the execution of political and public affairs. 

Additionally, the commission will suggest ways to strengthen laws and regulations related to the registration and operations of political parties in a manner that fosters trust and public accountability.(Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)