This report examines the delimitation process for local government authorities (LGAs) in Sri Lanka since 2012. The change in the electoral system for LGAs from the proportional representation (PR) based electoral system to the ward-based, mixed-member proportional (MMP) system in 2012 necessitated that delimitation be conducted for all LGAs to determine ward boundaries. In that time, two LGA delimitation exercises have been conducted and a number of significant legislative changes affecting LGA elections have been implemented.
The first delimitation exercise was conducted from December 2012 to February 2017 during which time an initial National Delimitation Committee then a Delimitation Appeals Investigation Committee were appointed and made their reports. During this time, legislation was also amended to make numerous changes to the MMP system and to incorporate a women’s quota. Following these changes, elections for 341 LGAs were held in February 2018.
The second delimitation exercise for LGAs was undertaken from November 2022 to April 2023 when a second National Delimitation Committee was appointed and made an interim report. A final report is yet to be released or its recommendations gazetted, thus this second LGA delimitation exercise remains incomplete.
Given the extensive policy changes debated, devised and implemented in LGA delimitation, there is an urgent need to take stock of the delimitation process as a whole. While it is a highly specialized policy matter, delimitation directly affects how LGA elections are run and their outcomes, ultimately determining the democratic representation voters receive locally.
This report undertakes this task. It examines the LGA delimitation exercises undertaken since 2012 and critically examines issues that have arisen with regards to LGA delimitation in Sri Lanka. It does this through research methodology that includes desk research, focus group discussions and interviews with key stakeholders. As a qualitative study, the report highlights the lived experiences different stakeholders have with delimitation and local government overall.
The key findings of the report are:
- The LGA system as a whole has suffered severe loss in public trust and the repeated LGA delimitation exercises over the last 12 years have contributed significantly to this.
- LGA delimitation exercises have created uncertainty around LGA elections and the functioning of LGAs overall.
- LGA delimitation appears to the public as politicized and driven by government agendas instead of a non-partisan process designed to help LGA elections function.
- Inadequate public consultation of LGA delimitation has increased the perception that it is an opaque, politically driven process, particularly among ethnic minority communities.
- LGA delimitation has at times exacerbated longstanding issues arising from administrative delimitation and has been unable to resolve these issues.
- LGA delimitation as has been conducted so far has been unable to adequately address the numerous concerns and fears relating to LGA elections and local government held by different ethnic communities in the country.
- The narrow scope for LGA delimitation under the current legal framework means that issues crucial for the effective functioning of LGAs are not being addressed;
- There is a level of fatigue among public officials at having to undergo repeated LGA delimitation exercises which yield the same results.
- Future LGA delimitation exercises, if conducted in the manner as they have been for the past 12 years under the existing legal framework, are likely to exacerbate these issues and permanently break public trust in LGA delimitation, LGA elections and LGAs themselves.
Accordingly, this report makes the recommendation for a comprehensive national exercise on delimitation to rationalise all sub-national delimitation boundaries which:
Is to be conducted by the National Delimitation Commission, as newly empowered legislatively or constitutionally, or an appropriate statutory body answerable to Parliament.
Is to be assisted by a standing Technical Assistance Committee composed of persons with appropriate technical expertise.
Must have broad terms of reference and be empowered to:
o enquire into and recommend the best possible arrangement of LGAs and the best possible electoral system for all LGAs;
o delimit all external and internal LGA boundaries accordingly;
o rationalise all delimited LGA boundaries with administrative boundaries;
o further rationalise other local public service boundaries (for public health inspectors, education zones, police divisions, and so on) accordingly;
o propose legislative and regulatory amendments to give effect to these delimitation decisions.
Must actively consult relevant officials, all political parties, all relevant CSOs, and members of the public, through wide in-person consultations and public submissions.
Written and edited by: Pasan Jayasinghe
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