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Govt. advances plans for overseas voting for 1.5 million Sri Lankans 🗳️ A landmark proposal has been submitted to the Ministry of Public Administration to enable more than 1.5 million citizens living abroad to vote in domestic elections, recognizing their vital role in the national economy. • Core Framework: The report outlines legal and operational mechanisms for voter registration, campaigning, casting votes, and result management. • Target Groups: The proposed system categorizes overseas voters into four segments: migrant workers, students, dual citizens, and those abroad for other purposes. • Implementation Methods: Authorities are considering multiple voting channels, including embassies, postal voting, and secure online methods. • Campaign Regulation: Future activities will be subject to the Regulation of Election Expenditure Act to ensure transparency for voters abroad. • Domestic Expansion: The committee also recommended introducing "Advanced Voting" or "Mobile Voting" for essential service personnel (doctors, customs officers), fishermen, and the bedridden within Sri Lanka. Economic Context: This move seeks to enfranchise a diaspora that contributes significantly to foreign exchange inflows. While discussed since the 1990s, this is the first formal program presented with stakeholder consensus from 16 political parties and civil organizations. 📈