Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, before I proceed to answer the question under Standing Order 27(2), I have another statement to make. I first seek leave to do so.

¶ 02 Mr. Speaker, in Sri Lanka’s Constitution, sovereignty is in the People and includes the powers of government, fundamental rights, and the franchise. Elections are the principal mechanism by which people’s sovereignty is exercised. Historically, Sri Lanka has been the second country in the world to adopt universal franchise and has conducted elections since 1931 to give effect to the people’s sovereignty.

¶ 03 Under Article 104B(1) of the Constitution, the powers, duties and functions relating to the preparation and revision of registers of electors, and the conduct of free and fair elections and referenda, are included but not limited to those functions. Accordingly, enforcement of all laws relating to the conduct of elections and the recognition of political parties are included within the core functions and duties of the Election Commission. The Department of Elections was established in 1955 for these functions, and in 2017 the Election Commission was established to better fulfill public expectations. Operating through a participatory strategic plan and by managing its statutory functions and powers, the Election Commission has fulfilled a significant part of its constitutional mandate. It has revised electoral registers, recognized political parties, enforced election laws, strengthened election administration structures, and maximized the use of new technology to ensure that all elections held have been free and fair. This deserves our appreciation.

¶ 04 At the 21st International Conference organized by the International Centre for Parliamentary Studies (ICPS) and the Independent Electoral Commission of Botswana on 03 October 2025, based on a special survey among election management bodies worldwide—focused on building a well-informed public, correctly identifying election sector practices, and promoting evidence-based research and policy—the Sri Lanka Election Commission was recognized as the best Election Commission in the world. We should all appreciate this achievement. I extend the Government’s and the People’s commendation to the Sri Lanka Election Commission and all its stakeholders for this notable victory.

¶ 05 Administrative Framework and Accountability of Independent Commissions: Statement by Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education.

¶ 06 Mr. Speaker, the answer to the question raised by Hon. Ravi Karunanayake on 2025.06.20 under Standing Order 27(2) is as follows.

¶ 07 1. The list of Commissions provided is not accurate. Under the Constitution, including bodies established under Article 41A, there are nine Independent Commissions established. Now, one more has been added. A National Women’s Commission has been appointed. The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) is not an Independent Commission under the Constitution; it is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament.

¶ 08 2. Some Independent Commissions follow formally approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), while others use internal administrative guidelines.

¶ 09 3. The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka and the Public Service Commission provide public access to their approved procedures through their official websites. All Commissions established under Article 41A are independent, and each Commission has the authority to implement appropriate internal oversight mechanisms in keeping with its assigned mandate.

¶ 10 4. Whether to adopt SOPs is within the authority of each Commission. As the formulation and implementation of SOPs is not a mandatory legal requirement, this may vary among Commissions. Given their constitutional independence, the Government cannot specify a precise timeframe.

¶ 11 5. There is currently no legal requirement to lay such SOPs before Parliament, and there are no constitutional provisions mandating it. The Government will consider, as necessary, the laying of SOPs of each Commission before Parliament.

¶ 12 Thank you.