November 17, Colombo (LNW): Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Ratnayake, told Parliament on Saturday (15) that the government will establish a special select committee to guide the long-delayed Provincial Council elections, signalling renewed momentum to finally hold the polls.
Responding to a query raised by Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara, Ratnayake confirmed that the minister in charge of the subject is preparing to submit a formal motion during the Committee Stage Debate of the Public Administration Ministry. This motion will outline the structure, scope, and mandate of the proposed committee, which is expected to examine both the electoral framework and the current voting system.
The announcement came during wider discussions on budget allocations for the President, Prime Minister, higher courts, government departments, Parliament and a number of independent commissions. Several MPs used the opportunity to press the government on its commitment to restoring elected provincial bodies, many of which have remained inactive for years.
Parliamentarians across the aisle noted that provincial representation has become a pressing public concern, especially in regions where essential administrative work has slowed without elected oversight. Ratnayake assured the chamber that the government intends to “move swiftly and transparently” once the select committee is approved, adding that all political parties will have an opportunity to contribute to the process.
