Government removes second voter marking requirement

Colombo, June 23 (Daily Mirror) - The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal submitted by the President to remove the legal requirement for an “appropriate mark” on voters from all existing election laws.

Under Sri Lanka’s election laws introduced since 2004, polling officials have been required to apply indelible ink on a voter’s finger and also place an additional “appropriate mark” to confirm that the voter has cast their ballot. These measures were originally introduced as a dual safeguard to prevent electoral fraud and ensure that no individual votes more than once.

However, authorities have noted that maintaining two separate verification methods has created operational delays at polling stations and increased administrative costs during elections. It has therefore been determined that the dual-marking system is inefficient and unnecessary.

Following this assessment, the Cabinet decided that the indelible ink marking alone is sufficient to prevent multiple voting and ensure electoral integrity. Accordingly, the government has approved steps to repeal or amend the relevant provisions in several election-related laws.

The changes will affect Section 36 of the Presidential Elections Act No. 15 of 1981, Section 38 of the Parliamentary Elections Act No. 1 of 1981, Section 36 of the Provincial Councils Elections Act No. 2 of 1988, Section 53A of the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance (Chapter 262), and Section 21 of the Referendum Act No. 7 of 1981.