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No door-to-door Grama Niladhari visits for voter registration, EC shifts onus to public
View(s):By Ishu Bandara
The Election Commission of Sri Lanka is revising the 2026 electoral list, with voters able to check and update their details online through the official e-services portal or in person at the Grama Niladhari and District Election Offices.
Election Commission Chairman R. A. M. L. Rathnayake told the Sunday Times that, unlike in previous years, Grama Niladharis (GNs) will not be visiting every household during this revision cycle.
“Instead, the 2025 voter registration list will be distributed to every household. If any individual wishes to have their name included or removed from the list, they should inform the relevant Grama Niladhari,” he said.
He explained that the same process can also be carried out online, with details submitted through the Election Commission’s digital platform.
“Once the information is received online, it will be forwarded to the respective Grama Niladhari. The GN will then visit the relevant households to verify residency, confirm new applicants and update the electoral register accordingly,” the Chairman said.
Meanwhile, Rasika Peiris, the newly appointed Commissioner General of the Election Commission, told the Sunday Times that the Commission decided to expand the online process after analysing voter registration progress through digital methods in previous years.
“This time, GNs will not be going to every house, and people also do not need to visit GN offices. Even over a phone call, they can inform the GN of their requirement,” he said.
“All details regarding the voter registration process were published in newspapers, and SMS messages with the online registration link were sent to voters. The online portal also includes the contact numbers of all Grama Niladharis, allowing voters to easily reach them if any amendments are required,” he added.
Meanwhile, the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) urged eligible citizens to ensure their names are included in the 2026 electoral register. PAFFREL said young people who will turn 18 between February 1, 2026 and January 31, 2027 should register through their Grama Niladhari by submitting the YC form. Those who were not included in last year’s voters’ list but are now eligible have been asked to submit the ER form.
PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi said inclusion in the voters’ register is essential to take part in elections and called on the public to inform others about the registration process.
Further details are available
at elections.gov.lk.
| Monitoring bodies concerned over lack of public awareness Election monitoring groups have raised concerns over low public awareness about the ongoing revision of the 2026 electoral register, noting that many eligible voters are unaware that names can now be They warned that confusion over the revised process could result in eligible voters being left out of the final register, particularly first time voters and those who previously depended on door-to-door visits by Grama Niladharis. Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES) Executive Director Manjula Gajanayake told the Sunday Times that compared to the past, the revision of the electoral register is in a better position, though several issues remain unresolved. “Voter enumeration is one of the most important responsibilities of the Election Commission after conducting elections. The legal amendments introduced in 2023 were a positive step,” he said. Mr. Gajanayake explained that under the revised system, voter registration now takes place in three phases each year, with supplementary lists allowing new voters to be added. “As a result, more than 100,000 new voters, mainly young people turning 18, are added annually,” he said. However, he noted that the current system largely depends on citizens approaching the Grama Niladhari to register new voters in their households. “The main concern is the lack of public awareness. Since the COVID-19 period, Grama Niladharis have not resumed house-to-house registration, and there is no clear explanation for this,” he said. Mr. Gajanayake stressed that voter registration should not be limited by funding constraints. “If funding is an issue, the Election Commission should seek adequate support, as voter registration is a basic democratic duty. Without a strong Mr. Gajanayake also pointed out that Sri Lankans who turn 18 while studying abroad are eligible to register through their parents or guardians, but this is not widely known and needs clearer public messaging. “Sending Grama Niladharis house to house should not be seen as a burden on democracy. Voter registration is the lifeline of public participation, and the Election Commission must clearly explain its approach and address these gaps,” he said. | |
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