Provincial Council Elections in early 2026

The government’s plan is to conduct the Provincial Council Elections before introducing a constitutional amendment 

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

The government intends to hold the long-delayed Provincial Council Elections within the first six months of 2026, said Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Rathnayake.   

Speaking to the media yesterday, the Minister noted that the Presidential Election was conducted in November 2024, followed by the Local Council Election earlier this year.   

“As such, the government hopes to hold the Provincial Council Elections within the first half of next year,” he said.   
Further, Rathnayake acknowledged there were certain legal challenges to be addressed but expressed confidence that these issues could be resolved.  He also emphasised that the government’s plan is to conduct the Provincial Council Elections before introducing a constitutional amendment.