The government has decided to amend the laws to enable Sri Lankans abroad to vote. Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved the appointment of a committee comprising officials from several ministries to proceed with the work.
Under the current Election Act, there is no mechanism or law for overseas citizens to vote. However, many countries in the region have amended their election laws to enable their overseas citizens to vote.
The Cabinet has approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government to appoint a committee comprising officials from the Election Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government and other relevant ministries and institutions to study the issues related to amending the existing laws or formulating new laws to protect the voting rights of citizens living abroad.