New Delhi renews its call for long overdue Provincial Council elections, spotlighting devolution, the 13th Amendment, and democratic accountability in Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern provinces.
India has once again urged Sri Lanka to move swiftly on holding Provincial Council elections, reviving a politically sensitive issue that has lingered unresolved for more than a decade. Political sources indicate that New Delhi conveyed its position during recent high level discussions, stressing that the long delayed polls are essential to ensure justice, representation, and meaningful devolution of power, particularly in the Northern and Eastern provinces.
During a visit by a Sri Lankan government delegation to India, Indian leaders reportedly underlined the urgency of restoring an elected provincial governance structure. The Provincial Council system, introduced under the 13th Amendment to the Constitution and modeled on India’s State Council framework, was designed to strengthen regional autonomy and address longstanding ethnic and administrative concerns.
At present, attention is turning to the Parliamentary Select Committee tasked with recommending the appropriate voting system for the Provincial Council elections. The committee is scheduled to meet next week, and a decision on the electoral framework is expected soon. Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Dr. Chandana Abayaratne, has confirmed that deliberations are progressing under the chairmanship of Minister Vijitha Herath.
More than ten years have passed since the terms of all nine Provincial Councils expired. Since then, their administrative powers have been exercised by Governors appointed to oversee provincial affairs. Critics argue that the prolonged absence of elected councils undermines democratic accountability and weakens grassroots governance.
With India reiterating its stance and domestic discussions gathering pace, the question now is whether Sri Lanka will finally reset the clock on provincial democracy.
