Concerns mount over delays in Provincial Council elections

29 July 2025 02:09 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 10 Bookmark

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Colombo, July 29 (Daily Mirror) - Concerns are growing over the continued delay in holding Provincial Council (PC) elections, with some accusing the Elections Commission of deliberately stalling the process under the pretext of legal uncertainty.

However, speaking to the Daily Mirror, Chairman Ratnayake said, PC elections could only be held if either the delimitation process is completed or the existing election law is amended to revert to the old system.

“We have already conveyed our position and the importance of amending the election law. It is now up to the government to decide.” he added.

Further, Government sources have indicated that a decision on the elections is expected in the first quarter of next year, due to unresolved legal and technical matters, including the ongoing delimitation process.

In the meantime, the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has called on the government to conduct the long-overdue elections without any further delay.

In a statement issued yesterday, PAFFREL pointed out that the terms of the Provincial Councils ended on September 20, 2014.

It has now been 11 years without fresh elections, even though the law requires them to be held every six years.

PAFFREL warned that continued postponement threatens democratic values and urged the authorities to take immediate action to hold the elections.

Comments - 10

Yohan Tuesday, 29 July 2025 02:44 PM

Take the matter to court

1 4

Rogue Tuesday, 29 July 2025 11:45 PM

What is your big rush for these elections? Were you sleeping for the last 11 years? This country is over governed, the new constitution will solve this issue.

0 0

DOT Tuesday, 29 July 2025 02:48 PM

Too heavy on tax payers!

5 5

reformer Tuesday, 29 July 2025 02:58 PM

Just abolish Provincial Council!

2 7

sam Tuesday, 29 July 2025 05:59 PM

PC's are not necessary

0 3

Mina Tuesday, 29 July 2025 06:01 PM

Let these people govern, we don’t need elections at this hour.

0 1

Burampi Tuesday, 29 July 2025 06:28 PM

Importance of Pala Baba! When they abolish the constitution? Create mega polises, devolving powers, to each province and grant them permission to obtain foreign funds for development not allowing private contractors to get foreign loans for mega projects.

0 0

Dr Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 29 July 2025 11:09 PM

Do we need these PCs , it's a water of money and another opportunity for politicians to make money from government projects. But there is also a danger now, because Pacha party may loose the election.

0 0

Rishi Wednesday, 30 July 2025 05:29 AM

According to, Chairman Ratnayake "PC elections could only be held if either the delimitation process is completed or the existing election law is amended to revert to the old system." What a goofy and deceptive answer, If his claim is valid how did he agree to hold Parliamentary elections. This type of state employees openly challenge the supremacy of people and denies the birthrights of the citizens.

0 1

A Supporter of Having Clean and Less People to Govern Wednesday, 30 July 2025 07:27 AM

Provincial Councils were set up by President JRJ when he was under pressure from India. There is no justification in having Provincial Council in a very small country like Sri Lanka. In some countries such as Australia, some electorates are bigger than Sri Lanka. Only effect of having Provincial Councils is having additional layer of corruption and delay tactics. Provincial Councils MUST be abolished. I hope NPP Government has the courage to do so.

0 1

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