As part of the ongoing initiatives under NPC’s Active Citizens for Elections and Democracy (ACED) project, funded by the European Union (EU), a team of project partners led by Rohana Hettiarachchi, Executive Director of PAFFREL, engaged in a series of discussions with several political parties, including the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the Communist Party of Sri Lanka and the Social Justice Party.
A statement comprising 22 proposed areas for electoral reform covering topics such as establishing an electoral calendar, introducing advance voting, campaign financing regulations, political party registration, expanding and strengthening the independence of the Election Commission, criteria for national list appointments, party crossovers, protection of voting rights for differently-abled citizens, limiting the number of candidates contesting presidential elections, electoral system improvements and measures to further empower voters was prepared and shared with political parties prior to the discussions. Following the meetings, the parties were invited to submit additional proposals or reforms they wished to see incorporated as part of a collective pathway toward meaningful electoral reform.
The project team met with the SJB and had discussions with Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara and several party members. Another meeting was held with the Communist Party of Sri Lanka, attended by several party representatives including its General Secretary, Dr. G. Weerasinghe. Discussions focused on strengthening the financial independence of the Election Commission, limiting campaign expenditure and ensuring elections were held within constitutionally mandated timelines. The engagement was enriched by contributions from senior party members known for their long standing political experience and association with late prominent political figures.
The team also met with the Social Justice Party. Party Leader Arqam Muneer and senior representatives participated in a comprehensive discussion on each of the reform recommendations.
These engagements will continue with other political parties in the coming months with the aim of building broad-based consensus among political and civic stakeholders to strengthen a fair, transparent and accountable electoral framework in Sri Lanka. Project Manager Ben Perinpanayagam and Senior Project Officer Sampath Randunna attended these meetings representing NPC.