Colombo, July 30, 2025 — The People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has urged the Sri Lankan government to expedite the holding of long-delayed provincial council elections, citing growing concerns over democratic governance and public representation.
Speaking at a press conference in Colombo on Tuesday, PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi emphasized the urgency of restoring fully functioning provincial councils, which have remained inactive for several years due to repeated postponements of elections.
“The absence of elected provincial councils is a serious blow to democratic governance,” Hettiarachchi stated. “These institutions are meant to serve as critical intermediaries between the central government and the people, especially in addressing regional needs and development priorities.”
He added that continuing to delay the elections undermines the spirit of the Constitution and weakens public confidence in the electoral process. “It is not merely a legal requirement, but a moral and political obligation that the government must fulfill without further delay,” he said.
The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has repeatedly indicated its readiness to conduct the elections once the necessary legal framework and funding are in place. However, no official timeline has been announced.
Civil society organizations and political parties across the spectrum have also voiced concern over the extended postponement, warning that it creates a democratic vacuum in local governance and impedes accountability.
PAFFREL, one of Sri Lanka’s leading election monitoring organizations, reiterated that holding free and fair provincial elections would not only restore public trust but also contribute to political stability and inclusive development.
Hettiarachchi concluded by calling on both the government and relevant institutions to take immediate steps to set a clear timeline for the elections and ensure the necessary administrative and legal arrangements are finalized promptly.
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