Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath announced that steps are being taken to grant voting rights to Sri Lankans working abroad.
The initiative aims to ensure that the country’s large overseas workforce can actively participate in the democratic process.
Speaking at an event marking the 40th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) on Monday (27), Minister Herath revealed that the Ministry of Public Administration is collaborating closely with his ministry to implement the proposal.
“A special committee has already been appointed by the Ministry of Public Administration to provide the necessary facilities for granting voting rights to Sri Lankans abroad and to establish the required legal framework,” he said.
He further disclosed that the government is also working to introduce a contributory pension system for Sri Lankans living overseas, noting that legal procedures are currently being formulated to make the scheme operational.