The 2025 Local Government Elections officially commenced at 7:00 a.m. today (06), marking a significant milestone in the country’s democratic process following a seven-year hiatus.
(Previous news 2025 May 06 – 7.15.a.m.)
All set for Local Government Elections today
Sri Lanka’s 2025 Local Government (LG) elections are underway today, with polls open from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. across 13,759 voting centers.
A record 17.1 million voters are registered to elect representatives to 339 local councils in what analysts describe as a key test of public sentiment.
Key Election Details
Voter Eligibility: Based on the certified 2024 electoral register (updated February 1, 2025)
Highest Voter Concentration: Gampaha District
Postal Voting: 648,495 postal votes cast April 24-29 by state sector employees, security forces, and other eligible groups
Spending Limits: Campaign caps range from Rs. 74 (Mannar) to Rs. 160 (Lahugala) per voter
Voting Process
Voters must present one of “10 approved IDs”, including NIC, passport, or driving license.
1. National Identity Card (Old or New NIC) issued by the Department for Registration of Person
2. Valid Passport
3. Valid Driving License
4. Government Pensioner’s Identity Card issued by the Department of Pensions
5. Elders’ Identity Card issued by the Divisional Secretariat
6. Identity Card issued for the clergy by the Department for Registration of Person
7. Letter issued by the Department for Registration of Person confirming he peculiars of the National Identity Card
8. Temporary Identity Card issued by the Election Commission
9. Temporary Identity Card issued by the Election Commission for persons with disabilities
10. Temporary License Card with a photograph issued by the Department of Motor Traffic
Ballot papers display only party symbols and independent group numbers—no candidate names. Voters mark a single “X” beside their preferred party/group.
No polling card? Voters can still cast ballots with proper ID.
Security & Monitoring
65,000 police officers deployed nationwide
3,000 PAFFREL observers monitoring for fairness
Strict anti-fraud measures, including indelible ink on fingers
Special Arrangements
Leave for voters: Employers must grant paid leave based on travel distance (½ to 2 days)
Closures: Schools, some universities, and select government offices (e.g., DMT, Immigration) shut today
