Election Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake has emphasized the need for electoral reforms to hold elected representatives accountable for their promises. Speaking at a media briefing today (26), he stated that voters should have the right to question unfulfilled election promises.
Ratnayake pointed out that Sri Lanka’s electoral system lacks a recall mechanism, which would allow voters to demand accountability from elected officials. He stressed that new election laws must address this gap.
“The tradition in our country is that after an election, we elect our representatives, then we complain for a few years, and finally, we vote again in the next election. This cycle continues without real accountability,” Ratnayake said.
He highlighted that citizens have a duty to ensure that the leaders they elect fulfill their promises and that their responsibility does not end after casting their votes.
“In our country, people only question elected officials until the next election. There needs to be a legal framework to ensure continuous accountability. We do not have a recall system, which is why reforms are essential. These aspects must be introduced in the new election law amendments,” he added.
Ratnayake also pointed out a concerning trend in voter behavior, where people often prioritize personal benefits over long-term governance.
“We have more consumers than voters. Many follow the mindset of ‘if you give, you will get.’ We must move beyond this mentality. Citizens must not only expect benefits but also take responsibility for ensuring that those they elect deliver on their promises,” he concluded.
The Election Commission is expected to propose these changes in upcoming election law amendments to improve democratic accountability and prevent vote rigging.
