UN Assesses Support for Electoral Reforms in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); A United Nations Technical Electoral Needs Assessment Mission held a series of high-level consultations on October 7, 2025, at the Parliament complex to explore opportunities for international support in strengthening Sri Lanka’s electoral system.

The delegation met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and government MPs, followed by separate discussions with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and opposition members. 

The team also engaged with the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus and the Parliamentary Caucus for Youth.

The mission, invited by the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, focused on transparency, inclusivity, and modernization of electoral processes. 

Key topics included:

Enhancing electoral integrity and transparency
Increasing women’s political representation
Promoting voter education and political literacy
Digitalizing electoral systems
Protecting voting rights and empowering youth participation

The UN delegation praised the credibility of Sri Lanka’s electoral framework and expressed readiness to provide technical assistance for future reforms.

The team included senior UN officials such as Michele Griffin, Director of the Electoral Assistance Division; Dan Malinovich, Electoral Policy Specialist; Amanda Stark, Political Affairs Officer; and Mikyong Kim, Political/Electoral Affairs Officer. Local participants included M. Jayalath Perera, Director of Legislative Services, and representatives from UNDP Sri Lanka.