ESTRAT GIC PLAN
STRATEGIC PLAN 2017-2020 ELECTION COMMISSION OF SRI LANKA 2017-2020
Department of Government Printing STRATEGIC PLAN 2017-2020 Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) of the Election Commission of Sri Lanka for 2017-2020
“Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives... The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will, shall be expressed in periodic nd en ine e e ti n i e ni e nd e e nd shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.”
Article 21, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948 Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Election Commission of Sri Lanka
2017-2020 I Foreword By the Chairman and the Members of the Commission
Mahinda Deshapriya N. J. Abeysekere, PC Prof. S. Ratnajeevan H. Hoole Chairman Member Member The Soulbury Commission was appointed in 1944 by the British Government in response to strong in t e e ne e in e t e fi t te t e t ent e in e ent t e population in the governance of the Island, to make recommendations for constitutional reform. The Soulbury Commission recommended, interalia, legislation to provide for the registration of voters and for the conduct of Parliamentary elections, and the Ceylon (Parliamentary Election) Order of the Council, 1946 was enacted on 26th September 1946. The Local Authorities Elections Ordinance was introduced in 1946 to provide for the conduct of elections to Local bodies. The Department of Parliamentary Elections functioned under a Commissioner to register voters and to conduct Parliamentary elections and the Department of Local Government Elections functioned under a Commissioner to conduct Local Government elections. The “Department of Elections” was established on 01st of October 1955 amalgamating the Department of Parliamentary Elections and the Department of Local Government Elections.
Accordingly, the Department of Elections was assigned with the responsibility of taking action to e d t e e t e iti en t t e nd t ee nd i e e ti n t e i te e i i e iti en nn in t e e i te e e t nd t en e t t e e e e i t en t avoid ineligible persons from being registered in the register of electors. Since The Department functioned as an independent body without being subject to the purview of any ministry, It was e e e tin it n ti n ee n iti in en e
With the passage of 19th Amendment to the Constitution the Department of Elections ceased t e i t nd t e e ti n i i n e t i ed it e e t i ed t ee e e in din t e i e n e enti e t t e e t ent e ti n was absorbed into the Election Commission without any impediment to the service conditions applicable to them.
Compared with the Department of Elections, the Election Commission is assigned with a broader responsibility and duty. The expectation of the public was also for the establishment of an independent Commission for the conduct of free and fair elections.
In the past the strategic planning has been the trend of the private sector. However, at present many ministries, departments and statutory bodies use strategic planning as an approach to Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) i iti e nd i e ent t ei t t t nd de e ent iented e ti e in et di nne it ie t e i in t e e e ti n i i n i n t en ti n t 2017-2020 II develop a strategic plan for the period from 2017 - 2020 and to implement the same from 2017 onwards to achieve the aforesaid goals.
In the development process of the strategic plan, a wide range of consultations was conducted it t e enti e t t e i i n eti ed t e t e i i n nd e t the Commission who went on transfer, all Secretaries to Ministries including the Secretary to the President, the Secretary to the Prime Minister and the Secretary to the Cabinet of Ministers and it e d e t ent nd t t t d e i n ni ti n t de ni n t e public sector and private sector and as well as of the banking sector, and with journalists, and their valuable views and proposals were taken into careful consideration.
Apart from that, comprehensive consultations were held with our leading stakeholders namely, t e e de nd e et ie e ni ed iti tie e e ti n e e e nent representatives of political parties of the Standing Committee to investigate election complaints, Members of the Cabinet of Ministers, Members of Parliament, Governors, Chief Ministers of Provinces including Ministers and Members of Provincial Councils, and representatives of local authorities, and the views expressed at such consultations were given due consideration.
t e t e ie nd t d i eni iti en en t fi e ie nd e ietie nd i ti n nd ni ti n di ed e n nd e e e ti n e e ni ti n nd t e ie e e ed i te e t ent e ene nd t e business community were of immense use in formulating the plan. Towards this end consultation e i n it e e ent ti e e ni ti n e e nd ted in t e it e in districts.
Grateful acknowledgement is made to Mr. Sarath Wickramaratne, Consultant and a specialist in Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) t e fie d de e in t te i n nde t it t e it ti n t e de e ent t e Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) at the request of the Commission amidst his busy schedule, and to Mr. Upali Magedaragamage, Consultant, who assisted Mr. Wickramaratne, for their invaluable contribution to make this endeavour a success. We do not think that this simple sentence would e t e i te t ei e i e in e e tit de e t t t e Inte n ti n nd ti n e t te I t e e i i ed d i e nd id n e ided ed n Election Commission of Sri Lanka its international experiences in strategic planning related to electoral systems, and to the Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) for the assistance rendered by in conducting training programmes.
It i e ent e ie t t t e i e ent ti n e t e e ent e i ti n t e PSP would be pragmatic since the PSP contains critical performance indicators which are capable n in in e t t t t e e ti e e indentified in t e e e ie ed tie n e ned it in t e e ified ti e e
e e ie e t t t e fi ent nd ti itie e ified in t e it in t e ete t e i i n nd i i n t e e ti n i i n d en e t e e i ti n e e i ti n e i t e i e e e t t t e e ti n i i n nd it t i e e t t ei e t t ie e t e t e it t e i t n e t e i e i e nd iti en including the politicians.
n t i st day of August 2016. 2017-2020 III Executive Summary
Sri Lanka, known until 1972 as Ceylon during the Portuguese, Dutch and British periods of rule nd n n n i t e e ti i i t e i i n i n i nd t t a total area of 65,610 km², with a population of 22 million, and is situated in the Indian Ocean.
From 1505 to 1656, the Portuguese controlled the coastal areas of the island and the Dutch controlled these areasfrom 1656 until 1796. The British took over Ceylon in 1796 and Ceylon was a crown colony from 1802 and 1948 and was part of the British Empire for 152 years until it gained independence. The British established their system of governance in the country. During t e iti e fi e n tit ti n e e e int d ed nd t t e t e n e n tit ti n i e int e ti n in nted ni e d t n i e in in about revolutionary socio-political changes in society. It is considered as a landmark in the nt iti i t nd ed t e t e ene i t ti i te in e e tin representatives to the State Council.
The Ceylon (Parliamentary Elections) Order in Council was passed in 1946 providing for the registration of electors and for the conduct of Parliamentary Elections. The Order in Council came into force on 26th September 1946, and the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance of 1946 was introduced for the conduct of Local Authorities Elections. Under the Order in Council, the First Parliamentary Election was conducted in 1947. Between 1948 and 1972, Ceylon was an independent country in the Commonwealth of Nations that shared a monarch with the United Kingdom. In 1972 a new Constitution was adopted and the name of the country was n ed e n t i n In t e nt i e e e i it in t e Commonwealth.
In t e ti n t te e i en ted t e e nd n tit ti n t e e ti Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. As of May 2015 it has been formally amended nineteen times. It replaced the Sri Lanka Constitution of 1972, and became the third Constitution since the country received independence in 1948. The new Constitution provided for a unicameral Parliament and an Executive Presidency. The new Constitution also introduced a form of multi-member proportional representation for elections to Parliament.
From 1946 to 1955 there were two separate Departments to conduct elections. The Department of Parliamentary Elections was under a Commissioner who was authorised to register electors and to conduct Parliamentary elections, and the Department of Local Authorities Elections nde di e ent i i ne t i ed t nd t e e ti n t t itie n 1stOctober1955 the Department of Elections was established by amalgamating these two Departments.
The Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution which was passed in 2001, provided for an Election Commission to be appointed by the President on the recommendations of the Constitutional Council. Yet, the Election Commission was not appointed as envisaged, due to Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) the problems of appointing the Constitutional Council. However, in November 2015, under the 2017-2020 IV 19th Amendment to the Constitution, members of the independent Election Commission were inted t e t i in t e i i n it e e t th November 2015.
All in all, the newly established Election Commission decided to formulate a Participatory Strategic n t e e i d t e et d identified ne e ti e management innovation that is highly structured and a future-oriented management technique setting the programme and policy direction of an institution, was employed to develop the e ti e i i n i i n nd e ti e t e i i n en in t e i t every level to feel a deeper and more personal commitment to initiate a four year action plan.
nnin e n i tin ten eni i et nd t e te i it ted t e senior management of the Commission including the Director General of Elections, Secretary to the Commission and other heads of divisions. It received utmost support and guidance from the Chairman and the two members of the Commission to conduct the PSP exercise. The Planning Team received the guidance of two external PSP experts to carry out the planning process. Thus, the Planning Team went through the main components of the strategic planning process, namely, Analyse Forces Outside the Organisation Analyse Forces Inside the Organisation Review or revisit vision, mission, strategies etc. Conduct a Comparative Analysis Conduct a Process Analysis Conduct a Trend Analysis
Project Future Scenario Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Identify Critical issues that should be address by the organisation Develop a vision, mission, goals, strategies and programmes Identify resources to implement the plan
As decided by the Planning Team, 92 stakeholder consultative workshops were also held to Election Commission of Sri Lanka gather views, opinions, suggestions and proposals from stakeholders such as representatives of political parties, election observers, professionals, representatives of trade unions, bankers and ine nit n i t eti ed e e ti n e en nd t ti i t e nd fi e e e ent ti e di ed e n i ti n in t e it it nd in t e districts.
e e ti n i i n i i n
“A nation that safeguards universal franchise”
de e ed e ti e t e e i te e ie en t di i n nd n e n ide in t e de need nd intended t e t e i e e e ted in t e ted t e scenario in the country. 2017-2020 V e e tin dee n t e e t e i i n t e i i n e i t t the Commission is supposed to do and how to reach the vision, the mission statement was developed as follows:
“Raise critical consciousness among all stakeholders, ensuring the protection of people’s rights and conduct free, fair and credible elections efficiently and effectively that safeguard the people’s sovereignty and universal franchise based on democratic principles”.
Integrity
Team Work Transparency
Values of Impartiality Election Openness Commission
Accountability Commitment
Being Duty Bound
The key strategic areas or the thrust areas are extremely important in addressing several critical i e nd e e een identified e e
01 Awareness Raising and Conscientization
02 Legal and Advocacy Work
Institutional Development
04 Research and Information Sharing Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP)
2017-2020 VI The goals of the Commission are,
The citizen realizes that the exercise of franchise is an inalienable right and involves himself or herself in the election process actively. Equal and fair opportunities exist for all candidates during election periods. An all-inclusive, updated voter list is in place before every election. All citizens in the marginalised sectors of society engage in the electoral The election process is administered competently and transparently. The needs of the stakeholders for data and information related to the election process.
e e ti n i i n e de te fi ed in ti e nne it t e t e e ti n i i n intend t ie e t e e e en i e entin e ifi e ti e nd ti itie identified e t t e de n t ti n nd t e n e ied out by the Planning Team.
iti en n ide t e e ti n i i n t e t it in tit ti n in t e e e t e t t te t t e e e e ei nt din ee i nd ti e e e ti n e e e t e Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) expect it to be independent and ready to hold all the elections according to an elections calendar unless otherwise determined by the legislature. As such it has to be fully equipped with very clear and strong vision, mission, goals and objectives. Further, a clear and implementable action plan should be a key feature to achieve these outcomes successfully. Thus, the four-month Participatory Strategic Planning exercise conducted for the Election Commission enabled it to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for four years incorporating all the above mentioned Election Commission of Sri Lanka elements to the plan. Accordingly, the Commission expects to make the action plan a reality t ie e t e i i n i i n nd en i ed nd t e e t te t t e e e i t t ni e e nd de t ed ed in tit ti n it e i ed i itie nd it itted nd ified t
2017-2020 VII Table of Contents
Foreword - By the Chairman and Members of the Commission II Executive Summary IV
PART I
1. Introduction 1 1.1. Brief rofile of ri anka 1.2. Historical, Political and Social Background 1 1.3. European Political Culture in Ceylon 3 1.4. History of Constitutional Reforms and Franchise in Sri Lanka 4 1.5. Post-Independence Era 6 1.6. History and Transformation of Sri Lanka’s Election Management Body 9 2. Participatory Strategic Plan for the Election Commission 10 2.1. Rationale for the Participatory Strategic Planning Process 10 . . rojected uture cenario 3. Strengths and Areas to be Improved 13 3.1. Strengths 13 3.2. Areas to be Improved 13 5. Development of the Vision, Mission and Goals of the Commission 16 5.1. The Vision of the Commission 16 5.2. The Mission of the Commission 16 6. Values, Thrust Areas and Goals 17 6.1. Values 17 6.2. Thrust Areas 18 6.3. Goals 19 . . oals elated bjectives 7. Means to End 24 8. Organisational Structure - Organogram 25 9. Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation 26 Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) 10. Risks and Mitigation 26 2017-2020 VIII PART II
1. Section A. Major Elements of the Participatory Strategic Plan 27 2. Section B. Activities,Responsibility,Time Frame and Cost of the Participatory Strategic Plan 53 3. Annexures 69 3.1. Chronology of the Election System in Sri Lanka 69 3.2. List of Names of the Commissioners of the Department of Elections and Election Commission 71 3.3. Members of the Advisory Committee of the Preparation of Participatory Strategic Plan for the Election Commission 74 3.4. Members of the Planning Team of the Preparation of Participatory Strategic Plan for the Election Commission 74 3.5. Members of the Assisting Group of the Preparation of Participator Strategic Plan for the Election Commission 75 3.6. Especial Contribution of the Preparation of Participatory Strategic Plan for the Election Commission 75
3.7. List of Stakeholder Consultative Meetings held to Generate Data and Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Information for the Developing of the Participatory Strategic Plan for the Election Commission 76 3.8. Organizational Chart & Functions of the Election Commission 79 4. Photo Gallery 87
5. Abbreviations 95 Election Commission of Sri Lanka
2017-2020 IX PART I 1. INTRODUCTION
Historical, political and social background i n i n i nd in t e Indi n e n t t t t e it in brief nd te die nd n t ine e nt i in t e i n ntinent e tit de nd n it de t e nt e e e ti e It i en t e nd t int ed nd i e dt km (Colombo - Sangamamkanda). The climate of Sri Lanka includes two tropical monsoons: the northeast monsoon (December to March), and the southwest monsoon (June to October).
Despite formidable obstacles, Sri Lanka achieved a middle-income country status in 2010. As indicated in the 2014 Human Development Index (HDI), Sri Lanka scored 0.757 and was ranked t nt ie e n ti n in e I e it i t e e e literacy rate is 92.7% and the average life expectancy at birth is 74.9 years. Sri Lanka has achieved relatively high human development based on basic human development indicators.
1.2. Historical, Political and Social Background
Sri Lanka comprises a beautiful collage of multi-ethnic communities from ancient times. The Sinhalese and Tamils make up 74.9% and 15.4% of the population, respectively. Then there are Muslims who constitute 9.2% of the population .A separate subgroup of the Muslims is the Malays who were brought in by the Dutch from their colonies in the Far East. The Burghers at 0.2% of the population are the descendants of European rulers who like all others are mixed with the other communities, some less, others more. The multiethnic character of Sri Lankan society is underscored by the presence of Africans who came with the Portuguese and they keep alive a local form of music that draws from Iberian traditions.
At Present Sri Lanka is a multi ethnic, multi religious country. According to the census of 2011 the total population of the Island is 20.2 million. The population is comprised of Sinhalese, Tamils (Sri Lankan and Indian), Sri Lanka Moors, Malays, Burghers, Indigenous people and other ethnic din t e e e i te i i n in e e i i n i i i n i n n i nd i i n Indi n i i n n i i n i i n e nd i i n i I t e e i i n i e t e ti n i i ed million Buddhists, 2.5 million Hindus, 1.9 million Muslims, 1.5 million Christians and 0.01 others. The number of voters registered in the year 2015 has exceeded 15 million. (Fig II)
Fig. I Fig. II DISTRIBUTION OF THE POPULATION BY ETHNIC GROUP DISTRIBUTION OF THE POPULATION BY RELIGIOUS GROUP Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP)
2017-2020 1 Sri Lanka is proud of its written history of over 2500 years. There is historical evidence to suggest that there had been human settlements with developed cultural characteristics even at the time of the arrival of Vijaya in the Island in the 6th ent n d t e fi t it of Sri Lanka. Written history records that during this early period there have been instances where regional rulers established regional administrations centered in Magama in the south and Kelaniya in the west.Due to various reasons the capital subsequently shifted from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa, Dambadeniya, Kurunegala, Gampola, Kotte, and to Kandy. There is historical e iden e t t e i n d ini t ti n e t i ed in t e t ente ed in n it t e shifting of the kingdom southwards. The lineage of kings that started with King Vijaya came to an end with the King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, the last king of the Kandyan kingdom. According to the historical records, Sri Lanka had been ruled by 176 kings for a period of nearly 25 centuries from the sixth century BC to the early nineteenth century. It should also be noted that there had been a few queens in the lineage of monarchs in Sri Lanka.
There were a few special features of monarchical rule in Sri Lanka. The King was the head of the state. Powers of governance were vested in the king. All powers relating to legislation, law en e ent nd d ini t ti n ti e e e in in nd iden e i i e t that there were deputy kings, sub-kings, and regional rulers functioning under the King. There e e ini te t d i e t e in nd t e e te in de
In this era, foreign emissaries particularly from the South India and from other parts of India and as well as from kingdoms or empires such as China, Myanmar, Siam (Thailand), Arabia, Persia, Greece, Rome had visited Sri Lanka for trade, and as invasions. By the end of 15th century Sri Lanka had become a nation comprised at a majority of Sinhalese, a substantial population of Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Tamils and Muslims and a small number of indigenous people and other ethnicities.
At the beginning of the sixteenth century i.e. in or about 1505 the Portuguese arrived in Sri Lanka. The Portuguese who came for commercial purposes controlled the coastal areas of Sri Lanka for approximately 150 years. The arrival of the Dutch saw the end of Portuguese rule and the Dutch controlled the coastal areas of Sri Lanka from around 1656 to 1796. The English arrived in the island in 1796 and took over the coastal areas which were under the control of Election Commission of Sri Lanka the Dutch. Ceylon became a colony of the British with the signing of the Treaty of Amiens in 1802. The Kandyan Convention (Udarata Givisuma) which was signed in 1815 gave the Britain complete control over the entirety of Sri Lanka. The British rule which continued until 1948 ceased with the grant of Independence to Sri Lanka.
e e i d nde t e e n e e e i nifi nt e e i in t e iti e n i nd social spheres. The British period saw the end of monarchial rule and it is during this period that the advent of representative democratic principles into the political landscape took place.
During the British period, Sri Lanka which was predominantly an agro based subsistence economy was transformed into a plantation economy with plantation crops such as tea, coconut, rubber, nd ee n i nte t in e e t Indi t eet t e de nd labour in the plantations in the hill country and settled them . This can be seen as one of the i nifi nt e ent t t t e d in iti e i d 2017-2020 2 From a religious perspective, the arrival of Europeans paved the way for the dissemination of Christianity in the country. The Roman Dutch law and English law were introduced to Sri Lanka in the Dutch and British periods. These legal systems adapted well to local conditions and continue to be operative even today.
04th February 1948, marks the dawn of Independence to Sri Lanka from the British rule. In the journey towards a Westminster style government the reforms introduced by the Donoughmore and Soulbury Commissions were crucial, as detailed hereinafter. However, it was perceived that t e Inde enden e nted in n t ete e een n nd ti e ni ed t e e d t e t te nd t e i n i ittin in nd n t e fin t in t e di i system.
The promulgation of Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka of 1972 resolved this issue. Under the 1972 Constitution Sri Lanka became an independent republic and the constitution provided for a system of governance comprised of a titular President, an executive Prime Minster and a Cabinet of Ministers.
The Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka of 1978 transformed the titular Presidency into an Executive Presidency and curtailed the powers of the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet of Ministers headed by the President became the main executive arm of the Government.
Sri Lankan populace which is multi ethnic, multi religious and multi cultural, has been exercising ni e e in e It i nt e e i ent de i in e ti n People have been electing their representatives to Parliament by their vote since 1948. From 1948 to 1955 the conduct of Local Government elections was done by the Commissioner of Local Government Elections, whereas the Commissioner of Parliamentary Elections conducted the Parliamentary Elections. The date 1st October1955 marked the establishment of the Department of Elections under a Commissioner of Elections by amalgamating the Departments of Parliamentary Elections and Local Government Elections and all general elections, by-elections, Provincial Council elections and Local Authority elections held thereafter were conducted by the Commissioner of Elections of the newly established Department of Elections. The 17th amendment to the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka provided inter alia for the establishment of an independent Election Commission. However, the establishment of the Commission took place only after the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution in din t e e ti n i i n i ed e e inted t e president on the recommendation of the Constitutional Council and the Commission was e t i ed n nd t ted n ti nin
1.3. European Political Culture in Ceylon
e t e e i ed in i n in e e t e fi t e n t in de t e nt They built a fort in Colombo in 1517 with a seaport and gradually extended their control over Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) t e t e t e nt e t e e ed e in e t e e t e controlled and did not alter the basic administrative structure that existed in the country and 2017-2020 the traditional institutions continued but at the service of the Portuguese administrators. The e e t i nt di i ed t e ti n nd t e in en e t e t e e nd there was intermittent warfare that continued throughout the 16th century.
The Dutch landed in Ceylon in 1602 when the Sinhalese were waiting to welcome any power to help them defeat the Portuguese and the king of Kandy appealed to the Dutch for their help. Between 1640 and 1656 the Dutch completely ousted the Portuguese from Ceylon In 1656 the t e e ende ed t t e t te e e tt e nd e ten i e fi tin nd the Dutch ruled the coastal areas until 1796.
The British presence in Sri Lanka began in 1796 and in 1802 by the Treaty of Amiens, the areas nde t e t e e eded t it in nd e n e e n n In t e iti invaded the Kingdom of Kandy, the last kingdom of Ceylon, but were defeated. In 1815 Kandy t ed t e iti nd t t ended t e inde enden e e n t e fi t ti e in t e history of Ceylon, the British introduced some democratic elements to Ceylon and the western concept of representative and responsible government was introduced to the country. The British ruled Ceylon from 1815 until independence was granted in 1948.
1.4. History of Constitutional Reforms and Franchise in Sri Lanka Pre-independence, constitutional reforms and 1.4.1. Pre - Independence Era the evolution of suffrage
e n ti n n e Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) The Ceylon National Association was founded in 1888 and the Ceylon Reform League in 1917. in e e nd i iti i n n it t e e t iti ni ti n nited n ti n i t political movement and formed the Ceylon National Congress (CNC) on 11th December 1919. The CNC agitated for more constitutional reforms. Thus in the early 20th century under British Colonial rule in Ceylon, nationalism gathered momentum and the Ceylon National Congress was
instrumental in gaining independence to Ceylon in 1948. Election Commission of Sri Lanka
e e e n e In int d in ti it i n nd i e iti t e ed n t e e t e Colebrooke-Cameron reforms were introduced to the country and the Kandyan and Maritime Provinces were amalgamated as a single unit of government. An Executive Council and a Legislative Council were established, paving the way for a representative legislature.
A new western educated social class emerged by the end of the 19th century as the British established the Ceylon Civil Service and the modern legal, educational, and medical professions. New leaders representing the diverse ethnic groups of the population entered the Ceylon e i ti e n i e e ted n n i t t e ti e t t i in t e fi t t de de the 20th century, there was unique harmony among political leaders of all ethnic groups, which was lost at later stages. 2017-2020 4 (c) Crew McCallum Constitutional Reforms t e fi t ti e in t e i t t e n tit ti n e in i n in t e e McCallum Constitutional Reforms introduced the principle of selecting the members of the e i ti e n i n i e ed n t e e e e e t n n i members of the Legislative Council were elected by vote. Only a limited number of persons had voting rights at this election.
(d) Manning - Devonshire Constitutional Reforms t t e n e n n i e e e e ted te in e ed t e nnin Constitutional Reforms of 1920 and of 1924, there was no change in the right of franchise. Election was limited to certain categories of society depending on education, wealth and gender.
(e) Donoughmore Commission The Donoughmore Commission introduced the Donoughmore Constitution which served e n t e n e e e e ted n e e ent ti n and introduced universal adult franchise to Ceylon. The franchise had stood at 4% of the adult population before the reforms.
The Commission was of the view that the general public would not be interested in the administrative system of the country as the franchise to Ceylon was limited to a small segment of the society and as such the Commission proposed that the franchise be extended to every person over 21 years of age, irrespective of gender, introducing universal franchise to Ceylon in In e in t e e e t e i te t e e iden e e n t en int n ide ti n and it was made mandatory that persons should have six months of residence in the relevant electoral district, prior to the 01st of August of the year in which an election was to be held.
It is noteworthy that the universal franchise was enjoyed even in Britain only from the same year, i.e. 1928, the year in which universal franchise was proposed for Ceylon. In addition, Ceylon was t e fi t nt t en ni e n i e in t e i n e i n
t e fi t ti e e ne e e e e t e e t e e ent ti e t e e ent t ei e e t te in t e t te n i in In e e ent ti e e e e e ted t e e nd t te n i nd ene e ti n n t e d d in t e fi t d e t t e e nd d War. As the new Constitutional Reforms had to be implemented, the General Election to elect representatives to the Legislature was held in 1947. The Donoughmore Constitutional reforms were in operation till 1947, and in the meantime there was agitation in the country for dominion status and for a government with responsibility.
e i i n As a result of the agitation and the pressure built by Ceylonese demanding greater participation in t e d ini t ti n t e i nd in e t e fi t te t e t entiet ent t e Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Soulbury Commission appointed by the British government, arrived in the Island in 1944 to make recommendations for a new Constitution for Ceylon. 2017-2020 5 A new constitution was recommended by the Soulbury Commission. Under this Constitution, 95 members of the House of Representatives out of 101 members were to be elected by universal franchise and the other 06 members were to be appointed by the Governor General with the concurrence of the Prime Minister. The Ceylon (Parliamentary Elections) Order in Council, 1946 was enacted on 26th September 1946 and it had provisions for the registration of electors and for the conduct of Parliamentary Elections. Under this Order-in-Council, the First Parliamentary e ti n nd ted n d d in t e e i d rd August 1947 to 20th September 1947.
it t e int d ti n t e iti en i t e t e i Indi n i in i ed in t e i nt nt ti n nd i ed t nfi t in t e iti en i e e de i ed n t n t ei iti en i t t ei e i n e een ne t e i nifi nt events that took place during this period.
The legislative enactment to reduce the age to be eligible to vote from 21 years to 18 years in the year 1959 was another important piece of legislation related to elections.
As recommended by the Soulbury Commission, the Senate of Ceylon was established in 1947 as t e e e t e i ent e n e en te n i ted e e were elected by the House of Representatives and 15 were appointed by the Governor-General. ne it in i n ti n t t e i in e tini in endin i passed by Parliament. On 21st May 1971, the House of Representatives passed an Act to abolish t e en te e e n n tit ti n end ent t e ei ed ent n nd 2 October 1971, becoming the eighth amendment to the Soulbury Constitution. Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP)
1.5. Post-Independence Era Post- Independence and dawning (a) 1972 - 1st Republican Constitution of a republic The Sri Lankan Constitution of 1972 is known as the 1972 Constitution of the Democratic
Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (Republican Constitution). It is the second Constitution of Sri Election Commission of Sri Lanka Lanka after the Soulbury Constitution and the independence of the country in 1948. It was nde t i e i n n tit ti n t t t e n e t e nt e n n ed t i n nd t e nt i ed n inde endent e i e n tit ti n t e Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka was promulgated on 22nd May 1972. It provided for a unicameral legislature, the National State Assembly, a President as a nominal head of Government and a Cabinet of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister responsible to the National State Assembly. Sovereignty was vested entirely in the National State Assembly and its te e i ited t i e e e t e t e e e ent ti e ed t e fi t ti n t te e e i it ti n i i n dete ined t e n e e e in the National State Assembly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. There was no longer any provision for Appointed Members as before.
2017-2020 6 nd Republican Constitution On 7th e te e t e ti n t te e e ed t e fi t e i n n tit ti n and enacted the second Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. As of May 2015 it has been formally amended 19 times. It replaced the Sri Lanka Constitution of 1972, and became the third Constitution since the country received autonomy as a Dominion within the British Commonwealth. The new Constitution provided for a unicameral Parliament and an e ti e e ident e te e t e e ident nd t e d ti n i ent e e limited to six years. The new Constitution also introduced a form of proportional representation from electoral districts for elections to Parliament, which consisted of 196 members.
The membership of Parliament was subsequently increased to 225 by the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution. The 1978 Constitution provided for an independent judiciary and a Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration (Ombudsman) and introduced provisions prohibiting defection by Members of Parliament form their Parties and for the conduct of referenda on certain bills and on issues of national importance. The chronology of the evolving election system of Sri Lanka is given in Annex 1.
e nt iti en i t Indi n i d een de i ed iti en i nd e nd were living in plantations in the hill country and elsewhere in the island under of the provisions t e nt iti en i t t te e e n t i ne t e i nifi nt nd in the history of elections in Sri Lanka.
t end t e n tit ti n On 8th January 2015 the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka was defeated at the presidential elections, and a new President was elected by the people as the sixth Executive President. Under the 19th amendment to the Constitution, some powers of the executive president were reduced. The 7th Parliament was elected at a general election held on 17th August 2015. The President and the Cabinet at Ministers forwarded a proposal to Parliament to draft a new Constitution.
The resolution in Parliament resolved to set up a Constitutional Assembly (CA) of all members and a steering committee of 17 members to draft the new Constitution. The entire Parliament was transformed into a Constituent Assembly and the new Constitution seeks to further reduce of power of Executive President or abolish the Executive Presidency and to introduce a new electoral system. A Public Representations Committee on Constitutional Reforms was appointed. This Committee has interviewed political parties and civil society groups all over the island and conducted a survey of opinion on Constitution making. Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP)
2017-2020 7 Fig. III Polling Divisions Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP)
Election Commission of Sri Lanka
2017-2020 8 Polling divisions and 1.6. History and Transformation of Sri Lanka’s Election Management Body history of the Election Department 1.6.1. Election Department
t ni e n i e int d ed in t e e n dedi ted in tit ti n t nd t elections until 1947. Therefore, this responsibility was assigned to an existing institution on an ad hoc basis. During this period, a Commissioner and an Assistant Commissioner were appointed only for the purpose of conducting elections while the Government Agents were directed to conduct elections at district level.
The First Parliamentary Election was conducted in the year 1947 and the elections of the Local Authorities were conducted according to the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance of 1946. The e nd i ent e ti n nd ted d t t th May 1952.
From 1946 to 1955 there were two separate departments to conduct elections. The Department of Parliamentary Elections was authorised to register electors and to conduct Parliamentary Elections, and the Department of Local Government was authorised to conduct elections to Local Authorities. On 1st October 1955 the Department of Elections was established by combining these two departments.
The responsibilities of the Department were to take necessary steps to secure the universal franchise iti en t t e nd t ee nd i e e ti n t e nn e i t ti n ified te and the taking of measures to prevent ineligible voters from being included in the electoral register. The Department of Elections functioned as an independent government unit not functioning under any ministry and the Commissioner was made answerable only to the Judiciary.
it t e e e ien e t e ed t e fi t i ent e ti n in t nd e e ti n held under the First Republican Constitution in 1972, and the Second Republican Constitution in di e ent iti tie nd i i iet ni ti n ted t e ide e t i in n Election Commission by 2000 to conduct elections in a more independent manner.
Establisment of the Election rd Commission e t n October 2001, the Seventeenth Amendment was made to the Constitution. This amendment provided for an Election Commission to be appointed by the President on the recommendations of the Constitutional Council. However, the Election Commission was not appointed as envisaged, due to the problems of appointing the Constitutional Council, and as provided in the e enteent end ent t t e n tit ti n t e fi t i i ne e ti n d t ntin e to perform the duties of the Election Commission until the Election Commission was established. In terms of the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution that was adopted on 15th May 2015, t e i i ne e ti n in e ntin ed t e e i e t e e e ted in t e e ti n i i n n th September 2015, the Department of Elections completed sixty years of service to the nation.
Finally, members of the Election Commission were appointed under the 19th Amendment to the n tit ti n e t i in t e e ti n i i n it e e t th November 2015. the President, appointed the new members of Commission who had been recommended by the Constitutional Council. Mr. Mahinda Deshapriya, the then Commissioner of Elections, was appointed as the Chairman of Election Commission while the other members of the Commission were Mr. N. J. Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Abeyesekere PC and Prof. S. Ratnajeevan H. Hoole. The Department of Elections was replaced by the Election Commission. 2017-2020 9 2. PARTICIPATORY STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE ELECTION COMMISSION Participatory Strategic Plan to 2.1. Rationale for the Participatory Strategic Planning Process meet the future challenges. e e ti n i i n e t i ed n t e e e ne e n ent i was elected to power in August 2015, unanimously decided to appoint the Constitutional Council, which in turn recommended names to the President for appointment to the independent Commissions.
In keeping with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in assuring the people their role in taking part in the government of their country, the newly established Election Commission, saw it as a necessary progressive step to launch a Participatory Strategic Planning (PSP) to formulate the vision, mission, goals and objectives of the Commission and to develop an action plan for four years. Considering the socio-political and religio-cultural changes that have taken place during the past three decades, and understanding the need to adopt a collective vision to drive the establishment forward, the Commission unanimously decided to conduct the Participatory Strategic Planning exercise. The planned process of the exercise included identifying the needs t e nit nd t e t e de i i nifi nt nd e ten i e e e i e it was conducted at national and district levels to gather information and views and opinions and responses, and analyse them and to formulate the action plan.
e iti n e t t d t en e te t e en t ened ed n i t t t ended in 2009, and the space opened for social and political reforms, gave the Commission an opportunity t t en t en t e t te i di e ti n t e ne i i n nd t e e n e e ti e nd e ient t n e it i t in int n ide ti n t e d n i t t e inte n and external environments. Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP)
ti i t t te i nnin et d een identified n e e ti e management innovation. It is a highly structured and future-oriented management technique that sets the programme and policy direction of an institution. It was therefore employed to develop the collective vision, mission, goals and objectives of the Commission, encouraging in i t e e e e t ee dee e e e n it ent t initi tin e ti n Election Commission of Sri Lanka n i t e i i n d e t t e t e nd i e in t e e
i ti e nnin e ed t e inte n i ti n t e i i n nne in ene int ie in e t te i identified t e i d in t e inten i e nd ted for the purpose.
e tin t e di e en e nd ini i in i ti n nd n i t t e e in t ent in indenti in i nifi nt ni ti n n e dd e in ie nd identi in t n ti n t nitie In nd tin t e e e i e t e iti i e been decided upon and applied.
2017-2020 10 Projected working scenarios In t e e n in t e nte t in ide nd t ide t e e ti n i i n t e nnin te n it t e t e de e i ed t t t e i i n t in t e in projected scenarios in future. A major part of these scenarios depicts a worsening situation nd in tte tin t ie e t e nd t e i i n t e ni ti n t e i i n e i ed t t it t e iti e t e e t e i e in t e e ted scenarios. Some of the important facets of the scenarios projected through analyses of context, comparative, process of change and trend are given in brief below.
i i n d e n i enefit i ntin e it n te i e e programmes. Granting and accepting appointments in the public sector without adhering to approved procedures will continue. Conducting of piecemeal elections d e e ini nd i ed e t e d e e e e t t e e n e n i growth. Formulation and implementation of new laws to counter misuse of state resources may lead to a favourable situation where misuse of state resources to promote politicians and parties will become minimal, but, expectations of the unemployed for employment will be used to gain political mileage.
nt i t e te t te e e t t t ti n de endin n t e ene e t ti te iti en t t t ei te ndid te their political ideology. The ignorance of the public on special provisions made available for persons with physical disabilities to cast their votes without a hindrance may remain the same. The percentage of rejected votes may further decline through voter education on marking the ballot and a certain percentage e i i e iti en n t ntee t e i te te It e e e ted t t e e i n e e i in i e t in t e t e nfiden e that the society has towards the election process will remain unchanged. Even though the role of social media relating to the election process would intensify, the chances are that the social media may be misused to gain political advantage.
Communality, caste and religion will continue to be decisive factors when giving slots in the nomination lists and there may be a possibility of chauvinistic ni ti n it iti end e e in n e in t e e e ti it ti n t e i e ent ti n t e i n e i i e e e i e Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) involvement of religious groups in politics will increase using cultural events to demonstrate political might. 2017-2020 11
Removing of prevailing legal impediments to recognition of new political parties may result in an increase in the applications for recognition and the naming of political parties denoting ethnic or religious identity may be a thing of the past. The percentage of persons casting votes will reach the anticipated level of 70% while the politicians in power will continue to try to remain in power. The intervention e t in nie tin ti n nie nd I in t e i the political parties with a view to achieving their personal agendas will intensify.
it t e int d ti n e ifi e ent e en e e ent ti n in nominations for local authority elections, the situation for women will improve i e t ei e i i i nd t in en e i ntin e i en t e in e e in women participation in mainstream politics. Women voting for women candidates will be seen as a positive development. The backward mindset of many women regarding their involvement in politics will continue and international pressure will intensify to increase women representation in governing bodies.
Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP)
Usage of polythene and other synthetic materials that are harmful to the environment for election propaganda, may rise to alarming proportions and sound and air pollution caused by election propaganda activities during elections will continue to be the same. Even though a decline can be expected in damage in i ted t i e tie nd ni ti n te e e ti n nd activities, it is likely that the present trend may continue. The Green City concept will continue to be implemented. Election Commission of Sri Lanka
The use of social media for election purposes may go up even further. New means of communication may come into use and the use of gossip websites will rise with increased use of internet and e-mail. There will be an increase in the trend of announcing election results attractively and will be popular. The use of SMS for ndid te nd i n i in e e e en t e nd t e e modern technological equipment and methods such as Digital Screens, TVs, etc., i in e e i nifi nt in e e ti n nd i n
2017-2020 12 Assessing strengths 3. STRENGTHS AND AREAS TO BE IMPROVED and weaknesses for enhancing competencies A realistic assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the Election Commission (EC) was ied t it t e t t t e e ed t e e ent t t t e ni ti n e ni It was revealed that the establishment of the Election Commission as an independent body with powers vested in it under the Constitution made the organisational mechanism much more independent and stronger compared to the previous departmental setup. The availability i e e ien ed nd itted t it n t ndin e e ien e i ted t de ent i ed d ini t ti e te e te i it t i i e n i nd fin n i resources compared to other government institutions and strong possibilities and opportunities in in e ti e de i i n n i tte e e identified i i t nt t t t show the strength of the EC. In addition, the acceptance of the EC by the general public as an honest and transparent institution and the relationships it has built with international election bodies have showcased its competence and expertise.
Although such competencies, skills, abilities and opportunities as in the previous paragraph are already available, there are some areas which the EC should improve in order to reach a higher e e e n e e in e nd e ti n i it t e di t i t e e e need t e t e i ed t n de te te e ni t nit t ei ti itie e e ti e assuring the general public of a better service. The role of the EC as an institution with the mission to empower voters to safeguard their universal franchise, should pay much more attention to t e e te ed ti n ene i in nd t e n ienti ti n e t e nned nd e t t ed e e t e e e ient e e i in t e area of information and communication technology, constant updating and improvement of the n ed e t e I i i e t need In ti n nd ni ti n e n I i t e t e e ti e n ed e in in i din n ed e i e t e t i purpose, the ICT division of the EC should be improved and upgraded. While barriers such as the inadequate legal provisions in the use of technology should be addressed urgently, measure to protect the civil and security personnel from work related insecurities and victimisation due to political reasons after an election should be addressed. In increasing its performance level t e t e d ttenti n t en n in t e itie it e e nne who manage the machinery through adequate training programmes. Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP)
2017-2020 Methodology adopted to pave the THE PARTICIPATORY STRATEGIC PLAN way
e et d d ted iti it e e n t i ited n t t e i of the Election Commission, but also extended to gathering relevant information and the views of all the stakeholders scattered around the nine provinces in the country. A Planning Team i in ten t e e nd idd e e e n e ent i t e i i n et to conduct this massive exercise and they were briefed intensively. Thus, the Planning Team under the guidance of two external experts with expertise in the subject concerned conducted t e de n t ti e eetin e in i t nt t e de te ie nd geographical areas, to generate and collect opinions to develop the Participatory Strategic Plan for the Commission. Workshops were held to gather views, opinions, suggestions and proposals from stakeholders such as representatives of political parties, election observers, professionals, representatives of trade unions, bankers and the business community, journalists, retired e e ti n e en nd t ti i t e nd fi e e e ent ti e di ed persons associations in the capital city and in the districts, It is worthwhile mentioning that t e t e de ti i ti n in e n t ti e eetin i nifi nt It i t e n ted t t e e e ent t e i e e e ti i ed in n appropriate manner to develop the PSP for the Commission.
The main components of the strategic planning process consisted of Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) 1. Analyse Forces outside the Organisation 2. Analyse Forces inside the Organisation 3. Review or revisit vision, mission, strategies etc. 4. Conduct a Comparative Analysis 5. Conduct a Process Analysis 6. Conduct a Trend Analysis
7. roject uture cenario Election Commission of Sri Lanka 8. Identify Critical issues that should be addressed by the Organisation 9. Develop a vision, mission, goals, strategies and programmes 10. Identify resources to implement the plan
In t e nnin e e d it t e e ti n i i n i in din the Chairman and Commission members and the Director General of the Commission. The data gathered was collated and after reviewing it, it was incorporated into the work plan. The major components of the Participatory Strategic Planning Process (PSP) described above are given in t e fi e I e
2017-2020 14 Figure IV.
Analyse Identify 1 Forces Resources to Outside the 2 10 Implement Organisation The Plan Analyse Develop a Forces Vision, Mission, Goals, Inside the Strategies and Organisation Programmes 3 9 The Identify Review Critical issues major or revisit that should be Vision, addressed by the Components Mission, rganisation of the Strategies etc. PSP 4 8 Conduct a Comparative Projected Analysis Future Scenario Conduct a Conduct a Process 7 Trend 5 Analysis Analysis 6
In addition to the proposals obtained through stakeholder consultations and the lengthy n e ied t it t e nnin te nd t e t t e i i n t e i it some important proposals from the Report on Public Representations on Constitutional Reforms, which was prepared through island wide consultative meetings and submitted to the e n ent t e i e e ent ti n ittee n n tit ti n i in were also incorporated in to the Participatory Strategic Plan in order to enrich the quality of the plan.
The Plan contains two parts. Part I, discusses the background, political history of Sri Lanka and the evolution of Constitutional reforms and the election process. Information for this part was derived through literature surveys.
The existing vision, mission and goals of the Election Department were revisited to develop a vision, mission and goals for the Commission to match the current context. Part II was completely devoted to discussing the action plan, responsibilities and the time frame. Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP)
2017-2020 15 5. DEVELOPMENT OF THE VISION, MISSION AND GOALS OF THE A vision without a mission or a mission COMMISSION without a vision does not make sense
5.1. The Vision of the Commission
The analysis of the contextual scenario and the projected future scenario paved the way for revisiting the existing vision, mission and goals. Considering that the essence of successful visioning was the commitment to rethink and review the Commission as a contributor to the whole of society in safeguarding the universal franchise, the planning team after an intensive interactive session developed the following vision statement of the Commission:
“A nation that safeguards universal franchise”
5.2. The Mission of the Commission
Based on the above vision an intensive dialogue took place on developing the mission of t e i i n e e tin dee n t e e t e i i n t e i i n exists and what the Commission is supposed to do and discussing further on the; the services
i i n d ide nd t e enefi i ie t e e i e e t nd t e Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Commission is special with values that govern it, the planning team collectively developed the following mission statement:
“Raise critical consciousness among all stakeholders, ensuring the protection of people’s rights and conduct free, fair and credible elections efficiently and
effectively that safeguard the people’s sovereignty and universal franchise Election Commission of Sri Lanka based on democratic principles”.
2017-2020 16 6. VALUES, THRUST AREAS AND GOALS
Values are equally 6.1. Values important
e e e ni ed t e idin e n t t di e t t e e t e de e ent nd growth of the Commission. They are also considered as the components of the philosophy of the Commission. Since the values underpin the vision of the Commission, they will be used as the idin in i e t t di t te ti n nd t dete ine i t e fi t e t e i i n
e ei t i t nt e identified e Figure V. The quality of being honest and having strong moral Integrity principles; moral uprightness of the Election Commission and officials of the lection ommission.
Honesty, sincerity and openness in all dealings of the Election Transparency ommission and officials of the lection ommission.
n honest way of talking and behaving by the officials of the Openness Election Commission without trying to conceal anything.
Engage wholeheartedly in the activities of the Commission, Commitment adhering to its vision, mission, goals and objectives and facing issues and challenges unwaveringly.
orally responsible for the work by the officials of the lection Duty bound Commission.
The obligation of the lection ommission and officials of the Election Commission to account for their activities, Accountability accept responsibility for them, and to disclose the results in a transparent manner.
The lection ommission and officials of the lection Impartiality ommission being not connected to or influenced by one particular person or group - Not taking sides.
aving a team spirit that inspires all officials, making them Team spirit or work together with the right attitude that emanates from the Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Team work highest levels of the officials of the lection ommission. 2017-2020 17 Thrusts direct towards a clear path to travel The key strategic areas or thrust areas are those which should be highly focused on by the ni ti n in t e t e e e e t e e i t nt in dd e in e e iti i e identified d in t e t te i n i e e e i t t e i i n e in d e in t it i i n e e een identified t t e e ite i n n in ed n i e t e e te t e e t n t e i i n i it t fi it mission to reach the vision.
Figure VI.
Thrust Areas
Awareness raising, Legal and Advocacy Work: Conscientization: To ensure the protection of people’s rights and to conduct free, fair and To raise critical consciousness credible elections - Conduct advocacy to safeguard the people’s on issues that lead to building sovereignty and universal awareness on a certain problem to franchise - Critical influence policy makers to resolve consciousness engages issues affecting citizens. It also questions of purpose, intervenes in disputes in order to issues of human dignity, resolve them, arbitrate or provide freedom, authority, intellectual advice or information aimed at quality, and social responsibility. resolving a problem or difficulty, especially as given by someone in authority. The Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) 1 Identified 2 Thrust Institutional Development: Areas Research and Information Sharing: To create or reinforce the To focus mainly on researching organisation efficiently and effectively the policies related to the to generate, allocate and use election process and the election Election Commission of Sri Lanka human,physical and financial monitoring body and share resources to attain the organisation’s findings, lessons, with goals and its vision on a stakeholders in order to fulfil sustainable basis;increasing the usage their needs for information and of improved IT technology and to educate them on exercising resource management their franchise and on to conduct elections efficiently sovereignty related issues. and effectively is also a major component. 3 4
2017-2020 18 Strategies are important to achieve goals The goals of the Election Commission to achieve its mission and its vision are: Figure VII - Goals
ll ualified citizens e ercise their franchise fearlessly, freely Goal 1 and confidentially in elections conducted in a free and fair manner.
ll citizens realize that e ercising their franchise is an inalienable Goal 2 right and get involved in the election process actively.
ual and fair opportunities e ist for all candidates during Goal 3 election periods.
An all-inclusive, updated voter list is in place before every Goal 4 election.
All citizens in the marginalised sectors of society engage Goal 5 in the electoral processes confidently and ade uately.
The election process is administered competently and Goal 6 transparently.
The needs of the stakeholders for data and information related Goal 7 to the election process and the Election Commission are ade uately fulfilled in a timely manner.
Strategies
Even though the thrusts, goals, objectives and the activities are developed with strategic manner a few major strategies that would be applied in implementing the strategic and operation plans are as follows;
Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) international, which are interested in promoting democracy. 2017-2020 19 6.4. Goals & Related Objectives Objectives should always be SMART e e ifi e ti e t ie e t e t e e ti n i i n e i en in e I
e t e nd e ifi e ti e Thrust Area 1: Awareness Raising, Conscientization No. Goals 1. ified iti en e e i e t ei 1.1. ne d iti en ed ti n e franchise fearlessly, freely are conducted on existing election laws and nd nfidenti in e e ti n election procedures islandwide each year. conducted in a free and fair 1.2. e t ined i e e ti n e e manner. i e i e t ei d tie e e ti e in each polling station during elections. 1.3. e t ined e n ent i e engaged in each polling station to conduct elections in an accountable manner. 1.4. e t n e ent i e active, more competent and more professional in each district by the end of year 2017. 1.5. Schools and education institutes both in the public and private sectors are active in educating students on the importance of protecting the franchise by mid- 2018. 1.6. All voters understand the electoral ed e e nd e nfident t t e part in elections actively. Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) 2. iti en e i e t t e e i in 2.1. Intensive voter education programmes are franchise is an inalienable right and conducted from mid-2017 in all polling divisions get involved in the election process on voter registration, inclusiveness, proper bal- actively. lot marking, and a voters inalienable right to elections. 2.2. Media, both electronic and print, is used to the maximum to create awareness on voter Election Commission of Sri Lanka rights, voter registration, proper ballot marking. 2.3. The subject of “Electoral System and Procedures” is included in the GCE (OL) curriculum under Civic Education by 2020. 2.4. i i iet ni ti n e e i nit ed ni ti n e selected, trained and used to conduct voter education at Grama Niladhari Division level on the theme “Exercising franchise as an inalienable right” 2.5. iti en e i te t e i et - ods used by the Election Commission to edu- cate the public on “Exercising franchise is an in ien e i t iti en 2.6. An information distribution server is n ti nin e e ti e 2017-2020 20 Thrust area 2: Legal, and Advocacy Work No. Goals 3. Equal and fair opportunities 3.1. New legal provisions relating to the exist for all candidates during election process and revisions of registration of election periods. electors are introduced and existing laws are re- formed by 2020. 3.2. A well planned mechanism is established to ensure that all candidates submit income sourc- es for their campaigns and limit all expenditure to the legally prescribed ceilings. 3.3. A unit with authority to inquire into any malpractices and/or breach of laws and to bring those who are responsible before courts in co- operation with relevant investigative agencies is established by end of 2017. 3.4. Usage of state resources, public properties, et e i n i ndid te i prevented. 3.5. Number of election related violence which prevailed in 2015 is reduced at least by 90% in 2020. 4. An all-inclusive, updated 4.1. iti en e i e t t ni e e i electoral register is in place of paramount importance to protect the sov- before every election. ereignty of the people and therefore promote others to get registered. 4.2. i i e iti en e en e ted t house to house enumeration from 1st June to 15th August in all electoral districts each year. 4.3. Eligible overseas electors are included from 1st June to15th August in the electoral register by registering them every year. 4.4. Upon the introduction of necessary legal provisions, with regard to the revision of elec- toral register, a supplementary register of elec- tors is prepared to ensure the inclusion of all youth who become eligible on attainment of 18 years age as at the date of proclamation of an election, in the voters register by 2018. 4.5. An ICT policy to ensure inclusiveness of all iti en i in e 4.6. An ICT mechanism to involve/engage iti en en in ti i t through out the election process is developed. 4.7. e ti e n ine te e i t in it- i en t d te t ei n in ti n i in e by 2018. 5. iti en in in i ed 5.1. i i iet ni ti n - sectors of society engage in nit ed ni ti n e ti e Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) e e t e e nfident in n e in t e e e t t e iti en n t e and adequately. importance of voter rights. 2017-2020 21 No. Goals 5.2. Public awareness campaigns are launched by EC on voter rights on internationally and na- tionally celebrated days every year. 5.3. Women are engaged adequately in the electoral process ensuring gender equity. 5.4. Youth are enthusiastically and adequately engaged in the electoral process by 2019. 5.5. i ed in i ed di ed nd other such groups are adequately involved in the electoral process without barriers. 5.6. An improved system to enable electors be- longing to essential services, both in the public and private sectors, and who are not granted postal votes, is to caste their votes established by the end 2020. Thrust Area 3: Institutional Development No. Goals 6. The election process is 6.1 e ni ed e ti n n e ent - administered competently and te i in e t ni e n e nd d ini - transparently. ter all activities related to all elections. 6.2. A pilot project for electronic voting is introduced by the end of 2019. 6.3. The Planning Division of the Election i i n i t en t ened t e fi t quarter of 2017. Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) 6.4. A strong monitoring and evaluation (M&E) mechanism is in place by mid 2017. 6.5. A well planned mechanism is established to make sure that the Participatory Strategic Plan i e e ti e i e ented ie in t e et objectives and goals of the Election Commission. 6.6. A comprehensive human resource mecha- ni t e e ti n i i n i e e ti e Election Commission of Sri Lanka implemented by the end of 2017. 6.7. e nned t e din nd ie n e redressing systems are implmented by mid 2017. 6.8. e e i tin fin n e n e ent te i further strengthened with introduction of newly updated systems by end of 2017. 6.9. Review and develop the existing internal au- diting system in line with the new developments at the EC by the end of 2017. 6.10. An ICT based electoral management system is developed and the required skilled manpower for the election process including the ni ti n e i e ent t e i i n is available by mid 2018. 6.11. n e e ti e t inte n nd e te n communication system is in place by end of the 2017. 2017-2020 22 Thrust Area 4: Research and Information Sharing No. Goals 7. The needs of the stakeholders 7.1. A research unit is actively functioning by the for data and information related mid of 2017. to the election process and the 7.2. The existing information unit is fully Election Commission are strengthened by the end of 2017 with IT and de te fi ed in ti e other necessary equipment. manner. 7.3. The information unit acts as a fully equipped resource centre by the end of 2017. 7.4. All election results and reports of both national and international observers are pub- lished on the web and made available in both hard and soft forms in the Sinhalese, Tamil and English languages. 7.5. A one-day public forum to share lessons e ned in e e e ti n i ni ed t months after the election is conducted.
Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP)
2017-2020 Means to End, the rational path Goal 7. Goal 7. e ifi manner. data and Objectives adequately information i e e ifi related to the and the Election Commission are stakeholders for election process objectives under The needs of the Please see part II. fi ed in ti e is Core Values ently. Goal 6. Goal 6. e ifi Objectives competently administered and transpar- e en e ifi Election process objectives under Please see part II. Integrity Transparency Openness Commitment Duty- Bound Accountability Impartiality Team work toral Goal 5. Goal 5. e ifi processes Objectives i e ifi adequately. iti en in marginalised engage in elec- nfident nd objectives under sectors of society Please see part II. every Goal 4. Goal 4. Vision e ifi election. Mission Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Objectives register is in place before Activities e en e ifi An allinclusive, objectives under Please see part II. updated electoral A nation that safeguards universal franchise universal franchise based on democratic principles dates e ifi periods. Election Commission of Sri Lanka Objectives i e e ifi opportunities Equal and fair during election objectives under Please see part II. exist for all candi- ee i nd edi e e e ti n e ient nd e e ti e t t e d t e e e e ei nt nd Goal 2. Goal 2. e ifi exercising iti en Objectives i e ifi e i e t t i e iti n i ne n t e de en in t e te ti n t e e e i t nd nd t in the election franchise is an inalienable right process actively. and get involved objectives under Please see part II. Strategic Thrust areas Legal and Advocacy work Institutional Development Research and Information sharing ene i in n ienti ti n Goal 1. Goal 1. e ifi manner. Objectives i e ifi in elections ified conducted in a free and fair their franchise 7. MEANS TO END fearlessly, freely iti en e e i e objectives under Please see part II. nd nfidenti 2017-2020 24 Organogram to implement the PSP / ) Tamil Sinhala Auditor Interna l ( Translator ) / ) Project Sinhala English Director ( ( Translator Assistant Secretary Officer Accountant Administrative Administrative ) ) IT IT ( ( Director Director Assistant ) Legal Legal ( Officer Director Secretary / Secretary Foreign Director Assistant Relations Secretary to Coordinating the chairmanthe ) ) ) Investigation & Additional Additional Director Director Planning Planning Assistant ( ( Commissioner Legal ( ) ) ) LAE LAE (2 ( ( Assistant Assistant Additional Additional Commissioner Commissioner Members + ) PE ) ( Assistant Assistant PE ( Commissioner Additional Additional Commissioner Chairman Chairman Election Election Commission ) IT ( ) Director Assistant IT ( IT Officers ) Director IT ( Director Assistant / ) ) Tamil Sinhala ( RE - O RGANOGRAM Translator RE Payment Accountant Accountant ( CFO Chief Accountant ) / CT U ) CT U Sinhala English Director General Procurement Accountant Accountant ( ( Translator TR U Director Director General TR U ) ) Admin Admin Deputy ( ( Assistant Officer Commissioner Commissioner Administrative Administrative ) ( WP Additional Commissioner Officers RGANISATIONAL S Administrative O District District Deputy Commissioners RGANISATIONAL S District District Assistant Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Commissioners Fig. VIII - 8. O 2017-2020 25 9. Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation.
The responsibility of the implementation of the activities of the proposed Participatory Strategic Planning will rest on the relevant heads of the respective sections/divisions with the mandate to conduct review meetings monthly to monitor the progress of implementing the PSP. The action plan developed based on the Logical Frame, which is a live document (Part II the section A), will e ed in t e i e ent ti n e nd t e indi t e ti e i en i e ti i ed measuring the progress.
It is indicated in the objectives that a strong monitoring and evaluation (M&E) mechanism is in e id nd t e e i tin te i i e e en eni i t e e et dd i e i ned nd e e ed t fi t i t It also proposes to develop key performance indicators (KPI) for each of the major activities; improve existing progress reporting formats to match current needs; enhance the existing progress reviewing system; conduct a mid-term evaluation in each year and conduct an annual comprehensive summative evaluation after completing the planned activities of the PSP. ICT te n i e ti i ed in nit in t e ti itie e ed it d t nd information. The activities, responsibilities, time frame given in Part II - Section B of the action n define t e e n i i itie t e i nd t ei e e ti e di i i n
10. Risks and Mitigation
In t e ti n n identified nd indi ted e e ti n nde e e ti e those could be considered as risks. In addition to the assumptions, there will be other issues Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) and challenges that will arise during the implementation of the plan. There could be constraints in getting the required resources and support from the general public, political parties, and civil iet ni ti n
In order to mitigate these, actions such as engaging constantly with the government ministries and other relevant institutions will be carried out regularly. The EC also will open a dialogue with Election Commission of Sri Lanka iti tie nd i i iet ni ti n e t en n e nd d te t ei n - edge on the ongoing process. The EC with its given mandate will be able to seek the necessary t di e ent inte n ti n ni ti n t t e itted t te tin de t t in t e t nd i e t e ne e e i ent nd net t it e n ent approval.
One of the major risks envisaged is the ignorance of the society about their inalienable right of universal franchise. In order to address this crucial issue the EC will conduct critical ene i in nd n ienti ti n e t e ene i e e i voters on their democratic rights and the importance of universal franchise that will enhance their political consciousness, and prevent the election of in inappropriate representatives.
2017-2020 26 Assumptions available. trainers are available. and participate in training. the public. available. available. 1. Government policy favourable. 2. A ll required resources are and knowledgeable 3. C ommitted C ommitted trainees are available 4. 1. G overnment policy favourable. 2. Keen and high response from 3. A ll required resources are 4. itted i e
workshops conducted. participating in education workshops. e e ti e involved in election work ef - fectively. i t ined he number T he number of education e n e iti en ined i e of election number T he ined i e i police of number T he observers trained. Indicators for Objectives 1.1.1. 1.1.2. 2.1.1. 2.1.2. 2.2.1. 2.1.2. Goal 1: manner. Purpose: PART II Thrust Area 1: Awareness raising, conscientization Key Activities C onduct 250 oneday education workshops (proportionately) each awareness to create year n iti en n election laws and e i tin procedures. nd t fi t ne d t inin nd t fi t ne d programmes on existing elec - proce - election and laws tion dures for election observers. divisional level training pro - on existing election grammes laws and election procedures eni i e e nd a training programme for t e i e t ti n 2.1. 2.2. 1.1. Major Elements of the Participatory Strategic Plan The island - wide voter turnout in all elections is increased from 65% 2015 to 85% by year 2020. e t ined i e e ti n e e i e i e t ei d tie e e ti e in each polling station during elections. ne d iti en ed ti n programmes are conducted on existing election laws and elec- tion procedures island wide each year. Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) 2. 1. No. 1.Section A 2017-2020 27 E ducation and Assumptions ommitted trainees are available are trainees ommitted C ommitted and willing trainees Human Rights C ommission sup - port the programme. available. ducation and Human and of E ducation Ministry Rights extended. C ommission i i e available. available. trainers are available. available. and participate in training. i e i e are provided. trainers are available. are available and participate in - training. ll required resources are resources 3. A ll required 1. G overnment policy favourable. 2. T he Ministry of Positive response from the 1. Positive response and teachers 2. C ommitted are resources 3. A ll required 1. G overnment policy favourable. 2. A ll required resources are and knowledgeable 3. C ommitted 4. itted i C 5. e 1. itted nd 2. R equired handholding supports ified and knowledgeable 3. C ommitted available are 4. R equired funds 5. in activities of student par - liament in relation to the promotion of franchise and universal democracy enthusiastically. collaborate with EC and progress reports send quarterly. School coordinators School children participating programmes held. i t ined i i ned t in stations. e i n i t ined at district level. engaged and to the clearly assigned re - sponsibilities and duties. provided with IT facilities and training. T he number of training of Government T he number of Government T he number e n e ified i e din T he number of EMBs Indicators for Objectives 5.2.1. 5.1.1. 3.1.1. 3.1.2. 3.1.3. 4.1.1. 4.2.1. 4.3.1. Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) IT equip- Key Activities Election Commission of Sri Lanka rain and appoint the teacher appoint the and T rain By mid-2018 to promote the By mid-2018 onduct single day intensive day single C onduct all EC train Fill vacancies; A ssign clear responsibilities Provide necessary responsible for civic educa - responsible tion as “the coordinator” in to school secondary each prac - promote governance tices among school children of Min - with the consultation istry of Education. concept of universal franchise concept of universal and civic rights through student parliament. training programmes for se - training programmes e ted e n ent i n election laws and procedures at each Divisional Secretariat, i i i n d ti n e and National Schools. t t en n e t ei it nd d tie t ent e d e nd di t i t e 5.2. 5.1. 3.1. 4.1. 4.2. 4.3. Schools and education institutes both in the public and private sectors are active in educating students on the importance of protecting the franchise by mid 2018. e t ined e n ent i are engaged in each polling sta- tion to conduct the elections in an accountable manner. e t n e ent i (EMOs) are active, more competent and more profession- al in each district by the end of year 2017. 5. 3. 4. No. 2017-2020 28 Assumptions overnment policy is favourble. G overnment tion from schools management; tion from schools management; E ducation Ministry; parents and teachers extended. and private vocational higher educational institutes received. available. writers are available. available. 4. Positive response and coopera- public from response 5. Positive 1. itted e ti n i e 2. Knowledgeable and capable are resources 3. A ll required 4. Both parents and school T he number of training Disputes and disagree E lectoral activities are children appreciate the ac - the children appreciate tivity with enthusiasm. programmes conducted. ent et een i nd te e ini i ed conducted relatively, smoothly. Indicators for Objectives 5.3.1. 5.4.1. 6.1.1. 6.1.2. Key Activities onduct seminars on uni- C onduct seminars Provide a simple, reader - Organise national art/ essay/ versal franchise and civic private public and at rights vocational and higher educa - tional institutes. procedure friendly electoral instruction booklet to each in their languages. household i etiti n nd school children bates among de - protect - of importance the on ing the franchise. 5.4. 6.1. 5.3. - All voters understand the elec- toral procedures clearly and are nfident in t e t in e e tions actively. Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) 6. No. 2017-2020 29 Assumptions media institutions. available. trainers are available. ed ni ti n available. tors are available. Sri L ankan embassies. all from tion from R egistration of Persons Department. High and positive response from 1. High and positive response personnel 2. C ommitted media 3. C ommitted and knowledgeable High response from Community 1. High response are 2. A ll required resources 3. itted i e i e 4. C apable civic/electoral educa- 5. Government policy is favorable. and co-opera- response 1. Positive 2. C o-operation of Sri Lankans living abroad extended. 3. Positive response extended 4. Government policy favorable. T he number of training T he number of media he number of commu number of T he T he number of Community of eligible Sri T he number A wareness programmes programmes held personnel trained. education programmes held. programmes education the nity leaders attending programmes. ed ni ti n participating. who live voters L ankan abroad. conducted by R egistration of Persons Department. T he number of voter Indicators for Objectives 2.1.1. 2.1.2. 1.1.1 1.1.2. 1.1.3. 1.2.1. 1.3.1. Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Goal 2: Purpose: Key Activities election process in meaningful manner. Election Commission of Sri Lanka ni e ten ne d d t ee t fi e Election C ommission will n e iti en e orientation cum training both for programmes electronic and print media personnel on voter rights. Voter registration, proper ballot marking. one-day voter education one-day voter education programmes community leaders in each for polling division depending selected n t e population and ethnic e i composition of the division, i e registration; voter on inclusiveness; proper ballot in nd te ble right to elections. in ien initiate overseas voting for eligible Sri L ankan voters in national elections within the the provided in parameters law. identity cards of forms other to obtain National Identity Cards. 2.1. 1.1. 1.2. 1.3. Media, both electronic and print is used to the maximum create awareness on voter rights, voter registration; proper ballot marking. Intensive voter education programmes are conducted from mid-2017 in all polling divisions on voter registration, inclusiveness, proper ballot in nd te in ien e right to elections. All citizens realize that exercising franchise is an inalienable right and get involved in the election process actively. Level of understanding and internalizing the concept universal franchise it’s importance as a civic right is increased among the active electors through a series of awareness programmes and they involve themselves in 2. 1. No. 2017-2020 Assumptions overnment policy is favourable. ommitted and willing trainees C ommitted available. producers are available. private engage committedly. available. available. trainers are available. and participate in are available training. are available and participate in training. the Ministry of Education. 1. G 2. A ll necessary resources are 3. C ommitted and resourceful 4. TV stations, both Government & 1. Committed are CSOs/C BOs 2. A ll necessary resources are 3. Government policy is favorable. 4. C ommitted and knowledgeable 5. 4. C ommitted and willing trainees from 5. Positive and high response 6. G overnment policy favourable. 7. itted i i e Elector- CSOs/CBOs he number of persons T he number from R eports documenta- A vailability of number of producers T he the times of number T he he number of discussions T he number circular intro- G overnment of teachers T he number trained in CSOs/CBOs. ries on voter education. trained. tele series telecasted. on the number of GN level programmes conducted. al System and Procedures. held with Education Ministry of subject the ducing and Proce - E lectoral System dures introduced. trained GCE (O/ L ) curriculum with Indicators for Objectives 4.1.1. 4.1.2. 5.1.1. 5.1.2. 5.1.3. 3.1.1. 3.1.2. 3.2.1 3.3.1. ducation from E ducation Key Activities Organise one-day training Produce a series of short tele xpedite discussions with the with discussions E xpedite A ssist Ministry of Education A ssist Ministry of Education BO leaders programme for C BO observa - involved in election tion in each poling division on “right to vote”. documentaries / animated of theme video clips on the “E xercising franchise is an in ien e i t iti en through them and telecast electronic media and publish them through social media. Ministry of regarding the ne - mid-2017 subject including the of cessity in the curricula. to develop the curriculum on and proce - electoral system dures. to to train teachers assigned - te t e i e e ti e ly. 4.1. 5.1. 3.1. 3.2. 3.3. i i iet ni ti n (CSOs) (especially Community ed ni ti n e selected, trained and used to conduct voter education at Gra- ma Niladhari Division level on the theme “Exercising franchise is an inalienable right”. iti en e i te t e i methods used by the Election Commission to educate the public on “Exercising franchise is n in ien e i t iti en The subject of “Electoral System and Procedures” is included in the GCE (O/ L) curriculum under Civic Education by 2020. Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) 4. 5. 3. No. 2017-2020 Assumptions overnment policy is favourable. overnment policy is favourable. available. technical personnel are availa - ble. available. technical personnel are availa - ble. 1. G 2. A ll necessary resources are 3. C ommitted and resourceful 1. G 2. All necessary resources are 3. C ommitted and resourceful he number of messages of messages number T he The number of subscribers he number of strategic number of T he “ Exercising T he message sent. connected. e e e di e ent n tifi - cations are exhibited. is an inalienable franchise i t iti en every nook and corner of e e the country. Indicators for Objectives 6.1.1. 6.1.2. 5.2.1. 5.3.1. Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Key Activities in ien e i t iti en Election Commission of Sri Lanka Send SMS messages, through messages, SMS Send Prepare short colourful Prepare six (06) colourful mobile communication ser - mobile communication vice providers to their sub - scribers on the theme of franchise is an in - “E xercising ien e i t iti en stickers on the theme “ Exer- theme on the stickers inalien - is an cising franchise e i t iti en nd di - t i te n iti en di e ent n tifi ti n n t e theme “ E xercising franchise is an and dis - in all three languages public strategic at play them digital displays in sign places/ languages as well. 6.1. 5.3. 5.2. An information distribution e e i n ti nin e e ti e 6. No. 2017-2020 Committee Committee Assumptions and other relevant authorities and other relevant are committed. and other relevant authorities and other relevant are committed. are available. and positive. and positive. 5. itted i i e 4. itted nd t ined i 1. Political parties are supportive. 2. Government policy favourable. 3. Ministry of Justice is cooperative Select 4. Parliamentary 1. Government policy favourable. 2. Ministry of Justice is cooperative Select 3. Parliamentary ined i ti e A mended and new legal N umber of times published is reduced elections C ost of Parliamentary Select Parliamentary collaborate with relevant au - relevant with collaborate thorities to implement the laws. provisions available website and in print in the media. i nifi nt d e t t e e e - tion calendar and disrup - ti n e ini i ed ommittee considers the C ommittee proposals of Election Com- mission. Indicators for Objectives 1.2.1. 1.3.1. 1.3.2. 1.4.1. 1.1.1. Goal 3: Purpose: Key Activities Thrust area 2: Legal, and Advocacy Work mpower the Election E mpower new le- and amended Publish Initiate discussions with ssist Parliamentary Select A ssist Parliamentary C ommission to implement nd e ti n tively. e e - i i n in t e website of the Election Com- i and in print form for mission public use. political parties recognised to intro - and the G overnment duce an election calendar to ini i e t nd di ti n due to unscheduled elections. ommittee and other relevant C ommittee and other relevant authorities to strengthen the to related procedures legal the election process. legal precautions with the help of stakeholders. 1.2. 1.3. 1.4. 1.1. Equal and fair opportunities exist for all candidates during election periods. New legal provisions relating to the election process and revision of registration electors are introduced and existing laws are reformed by 2020. A conducive environment is created by 2020 to conduct elections in a free and fair manner through implementing all Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) 1. No. 2017-2020 Assumptions and committed to the cause. secretaries and candidates. committed media personnel available. available. favourably. available. 1. G overnment policy favourable. favourable are 2. arty secretaries from party 3. High response and is high response 4. Media 5. i etent i e respond 6. Judicial agencies 7. itted di i i Party secretaries issue E lection observers partici- Candidates comply with the sources of campaign adequate gives Media inquire to Unit established R elevant law enforcing guidelines to the candi- dates. pate in the seminars con- ducted. election rules. expenditure are submitted by candidates. legal propaganda to the provisions, regulations and guidelines. into malpractices or breach of law is active. to consider the authorities by the made complaints Election Commission. Indicators for Objectives 2.1.1. 2.2.1. 2.3.1. 2.4.1. 2.5.1. 2.6.1. 2.7.1. Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Key Activities Election Commission of Sri Lanka ntroduce a set of regulations I ntroduce a set Conduct one-day seminar in at C onduct one-day seminar prescribed legally I ntroduce a Propagate election legal I nvestigate whether candi- I nitiate legal action against on campaign expenditure and source of funds for election candidates. each electorate for election observers on campaign ex - penditure and source of funds for the candidates. provincial level for candidates on campaign for the and source of funds expendi ture candidates. candi - election limit for the dates on all expenditure relat - ing to the election campaign polit - the with consultation in ical parties. provisions, regulations guidelines through print and and electronic media. dates complain with the elec- tion law. those who do not comply with the election law. 2.1. 2.2. 2.3. 2.4. 2.5. 2.6. 2.7. A well planned mechanism is established to ensure that all candidates submit income sources for their campaigns and legally the to expenditure all limit prescribed ceilings. 2. No. 2017-2020 Assumptions i e i e govern - politicians and relevant ent i e iti e committed. nd available. integrity available. available. structural facilities are available. 1. Government policy favourable. straightforward and 2. C ommitted 3. All resources are available. active 4. A ll party secretaries, 5. C ommitted legal personnel 1. Government policy favourable. 2. i itted i it are 3. A ll required resources 4. A ll required equipment and Government T he number of party parties of number T he e ified t A vailability of a fully of orientation T he number inquiries of number T he reporting Online complaint for media IT system Develop secretaries, active politicians secretaries, relevant and i ttendin t e ed - cation programmes. declara - which signed the tion. and consultants recruited and trained. e i ed e programmes held. made and persons brought before the court. and tracking system monitoring Indicators for Objectives 4.1.1. 4.2.1. 3.1.1. 3.2.1. 3.3.1. 3.3.2. 3.4.1. 3.4.2. Key Activities E ducate party secretaries, Issue a joint declaration with stablish a unit comprising a unit E stablish ide n de te e Demarcate clear roles and Use to monitor ICT tools active politicians and relevant active e n ent i t a series of national level one- relevant day workshops on be can that and action laws taken against illegal usage of public properties for election purposes. and leaders party secretaries law and order on maintaining before every election. e e nt ified t it mal - to inquire into authority practices. space with necessary furniture and equipment to the unit into inquire to authority with malpractices. responsibilities of the unit with to inquire into mal - authority provide orienta - practices and tion on scope of work. regulatory to the adherence framework by candidates. 4.1. 4.2. 3.1. 3.2. 3.3. 3.4. Usage of state resources, public e tie et e i n i ndid te i prevented. A unit with authority to inquire into any malpractices and/or breach of laws and to bring those who are responsible before courts in cooperation with rele- vant investigative agencies is established by end of 2017. Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) 4. 3. No. 2017-2020 Assumptions committed to maintain law and to maintain committed order. co-operative. are highly supportive. 1. Government policy favourable. 2. itted i e i e 3. i e nd i e highly public is 4. G eneral 5. Party leaders and candidates eported post election R eported post Election Commission T he number of training T he number of trained violence is minimal. appreciates the role of party leaders, candidates, voters and especially the police and armed forces. Police held for sessions e i e e en ed polling divisions. in Indicators for Objectives 5.2.1. 5.2.2. 5.2.1. 5.2.2. Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Key Activities Election Commission of Sri Lanka nd t e e ti e ene E ngage an adequate number programs for general public, general for programs candidates, political activists no on and party leaders with violence campaigns election collaboration of the police, observer groups, media and Human R ights Commission. t ined polling division to in each i e provide protection. e 5.1. 5.2. Number of Election related violence which prevailed in 2015 is reduced at least by 90% in 2020. 5. No. 2017-2020 Assumptions extend their fullest cooperation. cooperative. missions are cooperative. i e i e available is positive. private cooperate and support. available. 1. Government policy favourable. 2. itted i e i e are 3. E ligible electors living overseas and High Com- E mbassies Lankan 4. Sri 5. All required resources are available. 1. C ommitted and resourceful 2. E ligible electors in all districts are 3. A ll required resources 1. Government policy is favourable. public general the of 2. R esponse 3. Media supportive. available. are required resources 4. A ll public and both 5. A ll institutions, 6. itted i e are educators 7. C apable civic/electoral i e he number of eligible electors number of T he e n e t e ei in T he number of civic education Divisional of number T he T he number of TV T he number of radio jingles Indicators for Objectives living overseas included. orientation. programmes conducted. Secretariat areas covered. programmes produced and tel - on voter registration and ecast ni e e aired on voter registration and ni e e 3.1.1. 2.1.1. 1.1.1. 1.1.2. 1.2.1. 1.3.1. Goal 4. Purpose: Embassy/High Com- Embassy/High Key Activities Orientate and engage a lead and engage Orientate C onduct a civic education programme a special I mplement Produce and telecast a TV Produce and telecast Produce and air a series of series a Produce and air mission in each year to include to year each in mission overseas. living eligible electors t in e di t i t t en e te te e e ti e programme in each polling divi - programme in each hundred one for a period of sion from 1st June days commencing with com - along each year, of e ti n t e te the of in each programme on voter registration on programme nd ni e e short radio jingles (10 jingles) on jingles) (10 radio jingles short voter registration and universal e 2.1. 1.1. 3.1. 1.2. 1.3. An all-inclusive, updated electoral register is in place before every election. i i e iti en e en e ted through house to enumeration from 1st June to 15th of August in all electorates each year. iti en e i e t t ni e e i nt importance to protect the sovereignty of the people and therefore promote others to get registered. Eligible overseas electors are included from 1st June to 15th August the electoral register by registering them in every year. An all-inclusive, updated voter list is prepared in time withou t eliminating any citizen qualified to be an elector. Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) 1. 2. 3. No. 2017-2020 IT Assumptions are available. frame is developed. available. i e i e online voter registry system. i e i e assured. place. resources are available. 1. Government policy favourable. 2. itted nd e e 3. A practical and doable time 1. itted nd ified 2. iti en I e n ed e e n 1. C ommitted and competent 1. Government policy is favourble. 2. Capable policy formulators are Support of the smart circles is circles smart the of 2. Support 3. Required ICT skilled labour is in 4. All required equipment and iti en e i te ed supplementary register. in t e te e i t lished. tion level. conducted with the social circles. available. Indicators for Objectives 4.1.1. e n e ified 7.1.1. A vailability of the online 5.1.1. Social media unit estab- 6.1.1. ICT policy is at implementa- 5.2.1. The number of initiatives stablished Blog site Blog 5.3.1. E stablished - - Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Key Activities Election Commission of Sri Lanka mencing the revision of register and whose names are n t in ded in t e nd i e ent e e t e tified list (in a situation where the registration process is already completed and an election is announced, to enable those e ified t te cast to registered not are but their votes ). ne iti en i n e e t i t i in de t e n e iti en e ified n t e d te media unit. the Election Commission. inclusive ensure to registry involvement mechanism for incorporating social circles for the electoral process. i ite 4.1. Prepare a supplementary social 5.1. Setup and function a 6.1. Formulate an ICT policy for 7.1. Develop an online voter 5.2. efine t e e ntent 5.3. Develop and maintain an Upon the introduction of necessary legal provisions, with regard to the revision of supplemen- electoral register, a tary register of electors is pre- pared to ensure the inclusion of all youth who become eligible on attainment of 18 years age as at the date of proclamation an election, in the voters register by 2018. An ICT policy to ensure in i ene iti en i in place by 2018. An ICT mechanism to involve/en- e iti en en in participatory approach through out the election process is developed. e ti e n ine te e i t in iti en t d te t ei own information is in place by 2018. 5. 6. 7. 4. No. 2017-2020 Assumptions and committed. and committed. are available. are available. 1. CSOs/C BOs are highly responsive 2. ified t ine e i e 3. A ll required resources are available. 4. itted i e i e 1. CSOs/C BOs are highly responsive 2. A ll required resources are available. 3. itted i e i e 4. Government policy is favourable. 1. A ll required resources are available. 2. itted nd e i 3. Government policy is favourable. 1. A ll required resources are available. 2. itted nd e i 3. Government policy is favourable. - CBOs C SO s and C SOs and he number of leaders and leaders number of T he number of training T he materi- training number of T he he number of number T he he number T he number of advocacy Solidarity work programmes of seminars T he number trainers of trained. programmes conducted. als and case studies developed. BOs conducting advocacy conducting C BOs programmes on voter rights. programmes conducted on vot - er rights. developed with electoral stake holders. conducted on voter rights at electoral level. Indicators for Objectives 1.1.1. 1.2.1. 1.1.2. 1.3.1. 1.3.2. 1.4.1. 2.1.1. Goal 5: Purpose: BOs on voter rights. voter on C BOs Key Activities Develop training materials and materials training Develop onduct a one-day training C onduct a one-day Assist to C SOs and BOs mplement solidarity work with I mplement Conduct seminars on voter rights case studies to utilise in training to utilise studies case programmes. programme in each of the polling divisions for leaders and trainers and C SOs of implement advocacy programmes on voter rights. the electoral stakeholders to con - duct credible elections. on I nternational days such as Human R ights, Women and electorate at etc. days T eachers level. 1.1. 1.2. 1.3. 1.4. 2.1. legally, socially and culturally protected environment. i i iet ni ti n nit ed ni ti n (CBOs) are active in conveying the e e t t e iti en n t e importance of voter rights. Public awareness campaigns are launched by EC on voter rights internationally and nationally celebrated days every year. Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Participation of women, the disabled, numerical minority and other marginalised groups is increased by 2020 under a 1. 2. No. 2017-2020 Assumptions en ni ti n e i - ble. both sexes are available. t ine i e i e available. are available. both sexes are available. are available. 1. Government policy is favourable. and leaders women 2. C ommitted leaders from 3. C ommitted youth 4. A ll required resources are available. gender capable and 5. C ommitted 6. C ommitted and willing trainees are 7. Political parties are favourable. 1. Government policy is favorable. 2. itted t ni ti n leaders from 3. C ommitted youth available. are resources 4. A ll required 5. ified t ine e i e willing trainees and 6. C ommitted NYSC who T he number of advocacies T he number of women T he number of C SOs which t e t t e e Political parties and women of gender number T he T he number of youth T he number of training T he number of youth trained held by CSOs. leaders who participated. participated in the advocacies. bearers of political parties are women. groups appreciate the work of the Election Commission. de - programmes sensitive signed and conducted. programmes conducted. Parliamentarians of participated in the programme. programmes held. on the theme of “Youth and the Vote”. Indicators for Objectives he number of awareness .T he 3.1.1. 3.2.1. 3.1.2. 3.1.3. 3.3.1. 4.1.1 3.3.2. 4.1.2. 4.2.1. 4.2.2. - - Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) C ouncil on Key Activities Election Commission of Sri Lanka Facilitate an advocacy process Facilitate rain at least two executive T rain at least awareness C onduct six (06) T rain and develop a pool of SOs to with the C SOs by end-2017 Se - convince the Parliamentary lect recommend to C ommittee a 25% quota for women in pro - Parliamentary and council vincial elections as well. that at least 20% of the ensure e e e e en in t e party. sation activities and to facilitate rel evant stakeholders to ensure gender rights. of Na- Parliament bers of Youth tional Youth Services voter rights. - e e i t e e ti n gen - of subject the on mission der to promote gender sensiti for mem creation programmes youth trainers (25) by end 2017 (25) trainers youth the on conduct programmes to and the Vote” in of “Youth theme each polling division. Promote political parties to Promote 3.1. 3.2 3.3. 4.1. 4.2. Women are engaged adequately in the electoral process ensuring gender equity. Youth are enthusiastically and adequately engaged in the electoral process by 2019. 3. 4. No. 2017-2020 40 Assumptions persons support and engage in the in engage and support persons programme. extends their support and institutes engage in the programme. positive and favourable. Malayalam and street dwellers Malayalam are cooperative. positive and favourable. registration system is available. Gypsies, Adivasi, T elegu and Malay - alam groups for casting their votes in the same polling station. 1. Government policy is favourable. 2. itted i e i e 3. CSOs/C BOs working for disabled and related 4. Prison Department 5. A ll required resources are available. 6. Public awareness and response are 1. Government policy is favourable. 2. itted i e i e 3. Gypsies, Adivasi, 4. A ll required resources are available. 5. Public awareness and response is T elegu, of voter 6. A new method 7. A voting system is initiated for - Data on disabled persons who C omplaints from I DPs or N umber of remanded Data regarding remanded systematised and special A systematised A comprehensive database on E lectors who belong to new method of voter of A new method find di tie in tin t ei votes available. iti tie t di - ties encountered by the I DPs in casting their votes reduced. i ne identified prisoners available. voting facility is available for re - voting their prisoners to cast manded vote. ypsies and street dwellers is G ypsies and street available. Gypsies, Adivasi, Malay T elegu, dwell - groups and street alam im - without votes their cast ers pediments. . registration system is adopted registration system for all such and implemented for casting their communities polling sta - votes in the same tion. Indicators for Objectives 5.1.1. 5.2.1. 5.3.1. 5.3.2. 5.4.1. 5.5.1. 5.6.1. 5.7.1. - Key Activities onduct a desk survey to desk C onduct a Make special arrangements to special arrangements Make onduct a desk survey to desk C onduct a Systematise the voting facility Systematise C onduct a comprehensive Systematise the process of the Systematise xplore legal provisions to provisions legal E xplore identify number of disabled per - disabled of number identify n en nte di tie in casting their votes. provide voting facilities for the in - ternally displaced persons ( IDPs). identify number of remanded identify number data prisoners and obtain the from prison department. for remanded prisoners. alam groups and street dwellers in the total population. survey to identify the portion of Gypsies, Adivasi, T elegu, Malay registering the names in the elec - in the names the registering t i t nd ide tin i it for the, Gypsies, Adivasi, Telegu, street and groups Malayalam dwellers. provide same day but in a spe - provide same ifi ti n tin public and private sector persons i it in a services, in essential engaged e ifi ti n n t e e d 5.1. 5.2. 5.3. 5.4. 5.5. 5.6. 5.7. i ed in i ed di ed and other such groups are adequately involved in the electoral process without barriers. Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) 5. No. 2017-2020 41 Assumptions Government policy is favourable. Select to is positive C ommittee Election C ommission proposals. esponse of the Parliamentary of the 1. R esponse 2. Parliamentary select commit- tee considers the proposals of tee the Election C ommission on e d in e ifi ti n voting facility. Indicators for Objectives 6.1.1. Com- Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Key Activities Election Commission of Sri Lanka Prepare and submit a proposal to the Parliamentary Select mittee to consider the voting i it e d in e ifi - cation) that enables employees in the both services essential in and private sectors G overnment to cast their ballot. 6.1. An improved system to enable electors belonging to essential services, both in the public and private sectors and who are not granted postal votes, is to cast their vortes established by the end 2020 6. No. 2017-2020 42 Assumptions i e i e committed in enhancing the smooth conduct of the elections. proves the electronic voting system. are available. gained from general public. 1. Government policy is favourable. 2. All required resources are available. 3. etent itted nd e ient 4. e ti n i i n i e 1. Government policy is favourable. 2. All required resources are available. 3. Parliamentary Select Committee ap 4. itted nd e t ined i 5. Positive response and support Fully descriptive logistical plans etent nd e ient i i e t e esser complaints on logistical L esser In e ed e ien in A pproval of the Parliamentary e t t e t findin available for conduct of elec - tions. are selected for mobilisation. logistical arrangements. issues. electoral functions. Select Committee mid-2018 I n electronic vot - to introduce the ing system to Sri Lanka. mission with regard to the elec - with regard to the mission tronic voting system. Indicators for Objectives 1.1.1. 1.2.1. 1.3.1. 1.4.1. 1.4.2. 2.1.1. 2.2.1. Goal 6: Purpose: by end 2018. Key Activities Thrust Area 3: Institutional Development Prepare district level logistic plan Select and recommend election recommend and Select Develop the existing system of system the existing Develop n e e e ti e e t e I nitiate discussion with ni e t findin i i n for each and every election, ad - election, every each and for minister and monitor the same. i t e ti n i i n i i ti n notifying the logistic arrange - ments to the relevant election i ne ee Election. i t t e existing checklists on all stages, existing checklists on all stages, tailored to: the responsibilities of indi id t e e ti i - ties at locations and overall moni - toring of activities. Committee Parliamentary Select Committee in mid-2017 on introducing an electronic voting system. end of 2017 to a country where country a to 2017 of end is ap - system electronic voting an plied, to learn about the practica - bility of the system in Sri Lanka. 1.1. 1.2. 1.3. 1.4. 2.1. 2.2. The election process is administered competently and transparently. A well organised Election Management system is in place to organise, manage and administer all activities related to all elections. A pilot project for electronic voting is introduced by the end of 2019. The Capacity of the Election Commission is enhanced with appropriate systems, new technologies and competencies Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) 1. 2. No. 2017-2020 Assumptions committed. gained from general public. Service is positive. C ommission are committed. Election the evaluators are available. of the evaluators are available. 1. i e e ti e nd 2. A ll resources required are available. in place for evoting. provisions L egal 3. 4. IT expertise is available. overnment policy is favourable. 1. G overnment 2. A ll resources required are available. and support 3. Positive response 1. T he Department of Management 2. i nd t e 3. A ll required resources are available. d 1. itted nd ified e i e 2. A ll resources required are available. 1. itted nd ified e i e 2. A ll resources required are available. Indicators Amended law in force for the N umber of education N umber of electronic voting t ined i e ti e A vailability of an enhanced Key Performance A vailability of improved A vailability of an enhanced Mid-term evaluation report and Mid-term evaluation use of e-voting. programmes conducted. systems piloted by 2019 in the division. M&E system to meet current needs. ) area available for each ma - for each available (KPI ) area jor activity and measured. reporting formats to meet cur - reporting formats rent needs. progress reviewing system. number of changes or improve - number of changes ments made. Indicators for Objectives 2.3.1. 2.4.1. 2.5.1. 3.1.1. 4.1.1. 4.2.1. 4.3.1. 4.4.1. 4.5.1. Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Key Activities Election Commission of Sri Lanka ntroduce legal provisions to provisions legal I ntroduce public of C onduct a series Pilot the electronic voting system electronic voting Pilot the R ecruit/allocate adequate num- Strengthen the existing M& E Develop Key Performance I mprove existing progress re- nhance the existing progress the existing E nhance onduct a mid-term evaluation evaluation mid-term C onduct a use e-voting through an act of use e-voting Parliament to make education programmes people aware of the new system. in fi e in di i i n end 2019. e i in din t e e ti e e ini - of the Elec- division planning the tion and train them C ommission n e e ti e i e ent ti n the PSP. system to meet current needs. I ndicators (KP ) for each of the per - monitor and activities major formance. porting formats to meet current porting formats needs. reviewing system in each year. 2.3. 2.4. 2.5. 3.1. 4.1. 4.2. 4.3. 4.4. 4.5. The Planning Division of Election i i n i t en t ened fi t quarter of 2017. A strong monitoring and evaluation (M&E) mechanism is in place by mid 2017. 3. 4. No. 2017-2020 44 Assumptions and engages committed - EC and engages are available. available. action the of aware fully are workers of plan ly. 1. ified nd itted i are 2. A ll required resources 3. nti e t in din in T he evaluation report of the e i in t e R eport of the comprehensive Election Commission prepares N umber of Implementation ompleted progress report C ompleted progress event conducted. workers discusses and inter- nalises the PSP of Election Commission. Implementation tasks and with responsibilities Committee to perform. summative evaluation. result based planning on the PSP. ommittee meetings and num - C ommittee meetings based made decisions ber of on PSP. nd fin n i e t nti e t in din in Indicators for Objectives 5.3.1 5.2.1. 5.1.1. 4.6.1. 5.4.1. 5.5.1. 5.6.1. Quater st Implementation Key Activities Quater 2017) st onvert the PSP Planning PSP the C onvert Organise a national event to Organise a national event onduct an annual compre annual an C onduct nd t t ee ene Use experience gained from PSP C onduct monthly review Submit a progress as well as a well as as Submit a progress 2017) ommittee into an Implementa- into an C ommittee tion Committee. educate public, politicians and t e i t e end 1 hensive summative evaluation af - hensive summative planned activ - ter completing the ities of the PSP. creation programmes for the en - the for programmes creation ti e t t e t e e 1 of (by end PSP. the of e e i e t fi t e e i e ent regarding the of the G overnment “Result Based Planning”. meetings by the pro - to review the C ommittee gress of implementing the PSP. fin n i e t t t e i - i n e et i t nt 5.1. 5.2. 4.6. 5.3. 5.4. 5.5. 5.6. A well planned mechanism is established to make sure that the Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) i e e ti e i e ented achieving the set objectives and goals of the Election Commission. Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) 5. No. 2017-2020 45 Assumptions e e e ti e are available. and a donor support is available. Commission are committed. operative. management. system. evaluation performance institutes is secured. Facilitators conduct awareness 1. Facilitators trainers committed 2. A capable and 3. The G overnment favours the plan 4. A ll required resources are available. 1. i nd 2. i t e nnin i i i n e t e e ti n 3. A ll required resources are available. 1. t e te 2. t it ee it t e t 3. Required resources are available. t e 4. Support training of the overseas t i e t t e nfident nd itted A list of training needs all well maintained database on database A well maintained ll categories work according to A ll categories umber of changes and N umber of changes N umber of local trainings and changed role of the Election C ommission as well as their in - dividual roles. trainer is managing the unit. t i i e budget is being discussed or with a donor by end 2018 through the Government according to the training plan. Human resources available. their revised job descriptions. improvements made after the performance evaluation. number of overseas trainings ided t t n architectural plan with a with plan architectural .A n inin t e t i n ed e t t ined Indicators for Objectives 6.7.1. 6.8.1. 6.9.1 6.1.1. 6.2.1 6.3.1. 6.4.1. 6.5.1. 6.6.1. 6.6.2 Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Quater 2017) st Election C ommission by Key Activities Election Commission of Sri Lanka e it te n i i onduct a training need training a C onduct Prepare a comprehensive Prepare a comprehensive Plan to establish a Knowledge Maintain a proper database on e i e de i ti n t Develop the existing annual existing Develop the ni e t ei n nd onduct ten (10) orientation C onduct ten (10) willing to work as a trainer by ear - an and provide him/her ly 2017 the training to manage adequate training unit. the for 2020. e ent e in t e t of EC. t inin n t e t t e Election Commission. Management (KM Centre) C entre n e e t e t the Election Commission. to match their current tasks. performance evaluation system t e t t inin t e t ed n t e human resources plan. e t e t e to they have of the new roles that perform due to the change of EMB. (by end of 1 6.8. 6.1. 6.2. 6.9. 6.3. 6.4. 6.5. 6.6. 6.7. A comprehensive human resource mechanism for the Election i i n i e e ti e implemented by end of 2017. 6. No. 2017-2020 46 Assumptions available. i e i e committed to strengthening the committed to strengthening e i tin system. fin n i n e ent available. 1. Government policy is favourable. 2. A ll resources required are development 3. C ommitted system 1. e ti n i i n i e policy is favourable. 2. G overnment are required resources 3. A ll 4. ined t i e Auditor ssessment report of the A ssessment A n attractive rewarding A vailability of a proper N umber of training e ti n fin n i I mplementation of CIGAS Final accounts submitted A vailability of a developed I mplementation of online C onducting board of surveys e din te t e t system is implemented. grievance redressing system, which is appreciated by the t e management conducted. n fin n i planning and budgeting on due date. and Payroll systems in all District all in systems Payroll and e end for the department of department the for General on due date. database on election materials database and forms. assets management system in assets management i t i t e 2017. id before due date of every year. Indicators for Objectives 7.1.1. 7.2.1. 7.3.1. 8.1.1. 8.2.1. 8.3.1. 8.4.1. 8.5.1. 8.6.1. 8.7.1. Key Activities A ssess the existing rewarding Prepare an attractive rewarding Develop a proper grievance programmes C onduct training e ti n fin n i n n in fin n i e tin e ti n fin nt ntroduce and implement a implement and I ntroduce I ntroduce online assets C onduct timely board of te t e t t identi t e which require to be areas improved. system that will be appreciated that system t e t ed e in te t e t - t e t n fin n i e ment, and assets management. planning and budgeting. te it e d i t i t e ti n e e nd with accrual basis and cash basis. database on election materials and forms. management system. surveys each year. 7.1. 7.2. 7.3. 8.1. 8.2. 8.3. 8.4. 8.5. 8.6. 8.7. e nned t e din and grievance redressing systems are implemented by mid 2017. e e i tin fin n e n e ent system is further strengthened with introduction of newly updated systems by end of 2017. Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) 7. 8. No. 2017-2020 47 Assumptions committed to strengthening the committed to strengthening existing internal audit system. available. 1. e ti n i i n i e 2. Government policy is favourable. available. required are A ll resources 3. 4. ined t i e 1. Government policy is favourable. 2. A ll resources required are available. 3. ined nd ified I 4. System development is in place. t ICT trained Unit and T raining Developed are ICT modules networked and solutions IT R e-engineered document vailability of the annual the A vailability of available. t i e institutions are available. and change Management Committee in place. ICT Plan. A vailability of a N ew reimburse- nhanced stores management E nhanced stores management umber of recommendations N umber of recommendations Number of changes adopted. Annual internal audit plan. N umber of training umber of audit assignment assignment audit N umber of system. ment system. made. programmes and number of t ined t conducted. Indicators for Objectives 8.8.1. 10.4.1. 8.9.1. 9.1.1. 9.1.2. 10.3.1. 10.5.1. 9.2.1. 10.2.1. 9.3.1. 9.4.1. 10.1.1. Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Key Activities Election Commission of Sri Lanka training unit an ICT training E stablish Develop & I mplement solutions Develop for ICT solutions R e-engineer the internal and Develop and Implement annual with required resources. re-engineered processes. for external integrations. core (electoral) processes of the Election Commission. ICT plan. E nhancing stores manage- R eview existing audit system I mplement new reimbursement Develop new internal auditing new internal Develop C onduct training programme nitiate new internal audit new internal I nitiate ment reporting system with i t i t e ti n e and make recommendations for development. system for payment of election system expenses. procedure. t e t inte n dit te in e d e nd i t i t e 8.8. 9.1. 8.9. 10.4. 10.5. 9.2. 10.3. 9.3. 10.2. 9.4. 10.1. Review and develop the existing internal auditing system in line with new development of the EC. An ICT based electoral management system is developed and required skilled manpower for the election process including t e ni ti n e i e ent of the Commission is available by mid 2018. 9. 10. No. 2017-2020 48 Assumptions are available. available. 1. Government policy is favourable. available. are A ll required resources 2. 3. itted I te ni i experts are available. are experts IT 1. Committed, 2. All required resources are Data Sharing policy in place. fi e e modern communication facili - e i ed ties and equipment. it external communication facilities. system with IT report available. unit. available. available. available. District level election of A vailability of an updated complete needs analysis A complete needs vailability of a Developed ICT a A vailability of e e i ed e e N umber of e-Services Developed EMS system Indicators for Objectives 11.3.1. 11.2.1. 11.1.1. 10.10.1 10.9.1. 10.8.1. 10.6.1. 10.7.1. IT ICT Electoral Key Activities data sharing policy. Formulation and adoption of Formulation I mprove the communication Strengthen the external Strengthen Reorganise the existing internal Enhance with ICT unit Establish Develop required Develop e-services to deliver system with district level system e e ti n e communication system with needs. current match to facilities communication system with IT facilities to match current needs. required resources (Physical/ (Physical/ required resources Human). infrastructure. services of Election services Commis- sion. Management Systems (EMS). 11.3. 11.2. 10.10. 11.1. 10.9. 10.7. 10.8. 10.6. n e e ti e t inte n nd external, communication system is in place by end of the 2017. Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) 11. No. 2017-2020 49 Assumptions are available. ministries, departments is secured. available. policy formulation are available. available. e e fi i i e 1. i ified 2. All resources required are available. 3. Government policy is favourable. e e e 4. Support of relevant government 5. ified t in i e e i 1. e nd itted i n 1. Government policy is favourable. are resources 2. A ll required 3. e nd ified e e e 4. ified t ine e i e - wo experienced researchers T wo experienced researchers Policy paper on research is donor has positively positively A donor has edi e e e fi E numerators trained published R eviews on the and are in place. available to takeholders. responded to submitted. the proposal een identified nd t e et odology developed. en ed in t e fie d the in report appear research newspapers. Indicators for Objectives 1.1.1. 1.2.1. 1.3.1. 1.3.2. 1.3.3. 1.3.4. Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Goal 7: Election Purpose: data base by end of 2017. Key Activities Election Commission of Sri Lanka R ecruit/engage two capable Prepare a research policy Prepare a research arry out a comprehensive a C arry out e t t e e e January 2017. document for the Commission. research on evolution of election and its future process in Sri L anka trends by mid-2018. Thrust Area 4: Research and Information Sharing 1.1. 1.2. 1.3. A research unit is actively functioning by the mid of 2017. The needs of the stakeholders for data and information related to election process Election Commission are the policies, election process and Election Commission are documented available for public through a well-managed 1. All necessary policy matters related to the election process are timely researched and historical current data regarding No. 2017-2020 50 Assumptions positively. sustained. improved. 1. Government policy is favourable. 2. ified e e e e i e available. required are 3. A ll resources 4. C SOs are cooperative and engage 1. ified I e e t e i e required are available. 2. A ll resources 3. itted i e i e 4. i ite te iti en 5. e din i it iti en e 1. Government policy is favourable. 2. All resources required available. 3. itted i e i e Election Election Stakeholders consult organisations C ivil society t ined ti e t publicity manager/consultant A publicity manager/consultant Well-designed quarterly pub- Well-designed e e e it he unit and the library are and the unit T he iti en i it t e nit t e Stakeholders make inquiries Unit engaged in producing and Unit engaged C ommission on electoral policies. for their advocacy C ommission campaigns. utilise outcomes of policy research done by performs in the unit. is recruited. i ed ed ti n ine i read by circulated and largely the public enthusiastically. furniture and equipment is in and equipment furniture place. fully functioning. references. and visit both the information unit and the web. collecting video clips and pro - clips and video collecting ducing case studies. Indicators for objectives 1.4.1. 1.4.2. 2.1.1. 2.2.1. 2.3.1. 2.4.1. 2.5.1. 2.5.2. 2.6.1. 3.1.1. Key Activities arry out researches on C arry out researches and train a R ecruit/allocate ecruit a Publicity manager/ R ecruit a Publish a quarterly educational quarterly a Publish ide n de te e e Update existing library with Update existing arry out a publicity programme a C arry out Prepare and collect video overnment policies related to G overnment the election process. ti e t id consultant to undertake all consultant publicity related activities of the Commission. ine e ette t e te political literacy among enhance iti en with necessary furniture and equipment. relevant international and local books, publications, reports etc. by end of 2017. through media and the web on the library facility by mid-2017. clips, case studies etc. on the on etc. studies clips, case election process. 1.4. 2.1. 2.2. 2.3. 2.4. 2.5. 2.6. 3.1. The existing information unit is fully strengthened by end of 2017 with IT and other necessary equipment. The Information Unit acts as a fully equipped resource centre by end of 2017. Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) 2. 3. No. 2017-2020 51 Assumptions positively. is community international and positive and high. is positive and high. available. positive and high. participants and journalists is participants and journalists favourable. 1. C SOs are cooperative and engage 1. Government policy is favourable. 2. itted I i e i e available. required are 3. A ll resources public of the general 4. R esponse 1. Government policy is favourable. 2. itted i e i e required are available. 3. A ll resources public of the general 4. R esponse 1. Government policy is favourable. 2. ified nd itted e ie e i available. are 3. A ll required resources 1. Government policy is favourable. available. are 2. A ll required resources public is general the of 3. R esponse 1. Government policy is favourable. 2. R esponse of the potential SOs borrow case studies and studies C SOs borrow case A vailability of categorised, vailability of categorised and categorised of A vailability Developed android app Website carrying the reports of L isted document of important A nalytical report of the lessons the A vailability of umber of stakeholders and stakeholders N umber of video clips for education pur - poses. user-friendly election results ac - cording to polling division and district basis. compiled election results in for publicating three languages in print/electronic media for na - tional and international usage. the observer groups in three the languages. events are used as learning ma - learning as used are events terials. reviewer on the lessons learnt published. process electoral the on learned to the stake - in three languages holders. journalists attended the discus - the attended journalists sion. Indicators for objectives 3.2.1. 4.1.1. 4.2.1. 4.3.1. 4.4.1. 5.1.1. 5.2.1. 5.3.1. 5.4.1. - Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Key Activities Election Commission of Sri Lanka C ommence a library lending the user friendliness E nhance ranslate compiled results into compiled results T ranslate Develop a mobile android a mobile Develop Upload elections results and dentify carefully the important I dentify carefully the Select a reputed reviewer and Select Prepare a booklet of lessons booklet of Prepare a nvite potential participants and participants potential I nvite service for the C ivil Society Organ - isations by end 2017. of announcing election results ac - cording to district and electorate facilitating publication. three languages and publish the three languages results in print/electronic form along with reports of both nation al and international observers. app for result distribution. the reports of observer groups reports of the languages. into the web in three events, which could be utilised events, as lessons and document them it in t e fi t nt te e election is concluded. orientate him/her how to present with an learned lessons the analysis. learned and a brief analysis in brief analysis a and learned to share with three languages participants. journalists in advance. 3.2. 4.1. 4.2. 4.3. 4.4. 5.1. 5.2. 5.3. 5.4. All election results and reports of both national and international observers are published on the web and made available in both hard and soft forms in the Sinhalese, Tamil and English languages. A one-day public forum to share lessons learned in each major e e ti n i ni ed t nt after the election is concluded. 4. 5. No. 2017-2020 52 2018 2019 2020 Time frame 2017 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 DGE DGE Dir ICT Dir R&P Dir R&P Dir R&P Dir R&P Dir R&P Sec (EC) Dir Lega Dir Legal Dir Legal Dir Legal Acct (Procu) Addl CE(L&I) Addl CE(L&I) Addl CE(L&I) Addl CE(L&I) DG / Sec(EC) Responsibility DCE/ACE (Admin) - Key Activities under Thrust Area 1 Goal 1: Activity Conduct 250 one-day education workshops (proportionately) e e t e te ene n iti en n e i tin election laws and procedures. nd t fi t ne d t inin e n e i tin e e tion laws and election procedures for observers. nd t fi t ne d i i i n e e t inin e on existing election laws and procedures for Senior i e e nd t inin e t e i e station. Conduct single day intensive training programmes for the e e ted t i n e e ti n nd ed e t e i i i n e et i t i i i n d ti n e nd ti n Schools levels. i n ie t in t t in e e t ei it i n e e n i i itie nd d tie t ide ne e I e i ent e d e nd i t i t e 2. 2. 3. No. Activities, Responsibility, Time frame and Cost of the Participatory Strategic Plan Activity 1. 1. 2. 1. 3. 1. 4. 1. Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Objec- tive No. 2.Section B 2017-2020 2018 2019 2020 Time frame 2017 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 EC DGE DGE Sec(EC) Sec (EC) Sec (EC) ACE (PE) ACE (PE) ACE (PE) ACE (PE) All District AC(Admin) Addl CE (PE) Addl CE (PE) Addl CE (PE) Addl CE (PE) Addl CE (WP) Addl CE (WP) Responsibility Addl CE (PE/LAE) Addl CE (PE/LAE) i t i t i i t i t i Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Key Activities under Thrust Area 1 Goal 2: Activity Election Commission of Sri Lanka Election Commission will initiate overseas voting for eligible Sri Lankan voters in national elections within the parameters provided in the law. d t ee t fi e ne d te ed ti n e for selected community leaders in each polling division depend- in n t e e i i e ti n nd et ni iti n to the division on voter registration; inclusiveness; proper ballot in nd te in ien e i t t e e ti n Provide a simple, reader-friendly electoral procedure instruction booklet to each household in their languages. Conduct seminars on universal franchise and civic rights at public and private vocational higher educational institutes. Train and appoint the teacher responsible for civic education as “the coordinator” in each secondary school to promote govern- ance practices among school children with the consultation of Ministry of Education. ni e n ti n t e i etiti n nd de te among school children on the importance of protecting franchise. By mid-2018 to promote concept of universal franchise and civic rights through Student Parliament. 2. 4. 2. 3. No. All citizens realize that exercising franchise is an inalienable right and get involved in the election process actively. Activity 1. 1. 6. 1. 5. 1. Objec- tive No. 2017-2020 54 2018 2019 2020 Time frame 2017 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 DGE DGE Dir IT Admin) Dir R&P Dir Lega ACE (PE) ACE (PE) ACE (PE) ACE (PE) Dir Legal Dir (R&P) Dir (R&P) Addl CE (PE) Addl CE (PE) Addl CE (PE) Addl CE (PE) Addl CE (PE) Addl CE (PE) Addl CE (WP) Addl CE (L&I) ACEE (PE/LAE/ Responsibility Addl CE (LAE/ WP) i t i t i Activity Prepare short colourful stickers on the theme “Exercising fran- i e i n in ien e i t iti en nd di t i te n iti en e e i di e ent n tifi ti n n t e t e e e i in n i e i n in ien e i t iti en in three languages and display them at strategic public places/ digital displays in sign languages as well. Produce a series of short tele documentaries / animated video clips on the theme of “Exercising franchise is an inalienable right iti en nd te e t t e t e e t ni edi nd publish through social media. Assist Ministry of Education to develop the curriculum on electoral system and procedures. Assist Ministry of Education to train teachers assigned teach t e i e e ti e ni e ne d t inin e e de in e in election observation each polling division on “right to vote”. n e iti en e t e identit d t obtain National Identity Cards. ni e ten ne d ient ti n t inin e to both electronic and print media personnel on voter rights. Voter registration, proper ballot marking. Expedite discussions with the Ministry of Education from mid- 2017 regarding the necessity of including subject into curricula. 3. 2. 2. 3. No. Activity Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) 5. 1. 4. 1. 1. 3. 2. 1. 3. 1. Objec- tive No. 2017-2020 55 2018 2019 2020 Time frame 2017 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 EC DGE CFO CFO CFO Sec (EC) Sec (EC) Dir Legal Dir Legal Dir Legal Dir Legal Dir Legal Dir Legal Dir Legal ACE (LAE) Dir IT, AD-IT Addl CE (L&I) Addl CE (L&I) Addl CE (L&I) Addl CE (L&I) Addl CE (L&I) Addl CE (L&I) Addl CE (L&I) Responsibility Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Key Activities under Thrust Area 2 - Goal 3: Activity Election Commission of Sri Lanka Equal and fair opportunities exist for all candidates during election periods. Introduce a set of regulations on campaign expenditure and source of funds for the election candidates. Conduct one-day seminar in each electorate for election Observers on campaign expenditure and source of funds for the candidates. Conduct one-day seminar at provincial level for candidates on campaign expenditure and source of funds for the Candidates. Introduce a legally prescribed limit for the election candidates on all expenditure relating to the election campaign in consultation with the Political Parties. Initi te di i n it e ni ed iti tie nd t e e n ent t int d e n e e ti n end t ini i e t and disruption due to unscheduled elections. i ended nd ne e i i n in t e i e ite of the Election Commission and in print form for public use. Empower the Election Commission to implement laws and e ti n e e ti e Send SMS messages, through mobile communication service providers to their subscribers on the theme of “Exercising n i e i n in ien e i t iti en Assist Parliamentary Select Committee and other relevant authorities to strengthen the legal procedures related election process. 2. 3. 4. 4. 3. 2. No. Activity 2. 1. 6. 1. 1. 1. Objec- tive No. 2017-2020 56 2018 2019 2020 Time frame 2017 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 EC EC EC DIT DGE AD-IT Sec (EC) Sec (EC) Sec (EC) Sec (EC) Sec (EC) Dir Legal Dir Legal ACE (LAE) ACE (LAE) Addl (LAE) Addl CE (PE) DCE (Admin) Addl CE (L&I) Addl CE (L&I) Responsibility - Activity Issue a joint declaration with party secretaries and leaders on maintaining law and order before every election. nd t e e ti e ene e ene i candidates, political activists and party leaders on no violence campaigns with the collaboration of election observer groups, police, media and human rights Commission. Educate party secretaries, active politicians and relevant e n ent i t e ie n ti n e e ne d workshops on relevant laws and action that can be taken against illegal usage of public properties for election purposes. Initiate legal action against those who do not comply with the election law. t i nit i in e e nt ified t it t ity to inquire into malpractices. ide n de te e e it ne e nit e nd equipment to the unit with authority inquire into malpractices. Demarcate clear roles and responsibilities of the unit with au- thority to inquire into malpractices and provide orientation on scope of work. Use ICT tools to monitor the adherence regulatory frame- work by candidates. Investigate whether candidates complain with the election law. Addl CE (L&I) Propagate election legal provisions, regulations and guidelines through print and electronic media. 2. 7. 2. 3. 4. 6. No. Activity 5. 1. 4. 1. 3. 1. 2. 5. Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Objec- tive No. 2017-2020 57 2018 2019 2020 Time frame 2017 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 DGE DGE DGE Admin) Sec (EC) ACE (PE) ACE (PE) Sec (EC) Dir (R&P) Dir (R&P) Dir (R&P) ACEE (PE & Addl CE (PE) Addl CE (WP) Addl CE (WP) Addl CE (L&I) Addl CE (WP) Responsibility June of each st Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Key Activities Thrust Area 2 - Goal 4: Activity Election Commission of Sri Lanka An all-inclusive, updated voter list is in place before any election. e e e ent e e t i t i in de t e n e iti en e i in t t e d te en in t e revision of the register whose names are no included in e tified nd i e ent e e t i t in it ti n e e the registration process is already completed and an e e ti n i nn n ed t en e t e e ified t t e but are not registered to cast their votes). Implement a special programme in each of the embassy/High Commission in each year to include eligible electors living overseas. n e n de te n e t ined i e e in e polling division to provide protection. Conduct a civic education programme in each polling division for a period of one hundred days commencing from 1 e n it e ti n t e te Produce and telecast a TV programme on voter registration ni e e Produce and air a series of short radio jingles (10 jingles) on te e i t ti n nd ni e e ient te nd en e e d t in e di t i t t en e te te e e ti e 2. 3. No. Activity 4. 1. 3. 1. 5. 2. 1. 1. 2. 1. Objec- tive No. 2017-2020 58 2018 2019 2020 Time frame 2017 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 DGE Dir IT Dir IT Dir IT Dir IT AD-IT AD-IT AD-IT Sec (EC) ACE (PE) Dir (R&P) ACE (LAE) ACE (LAE) ACE (LAE) Addl CE (WP) Addl CE (WP) Addl CE (WP) Addl CE (L&I) DGE, Sec (EC) DGE, Sec (EC) Responsibility i t i t i i t i t i Key Activities Thrust Area 2 - Goal 5: Activity Formulate of an ICT policy for the Election Commission. Develop an online voter registry to ensure inclusiveness of all iti en i n e e t inin te i nd e t die t ti i e in t in in programmes. Conduct a one-day training programme in each of the polling divisions for leaders and trainers of CSOs CBOs on voter rights. Assist CSOs and CBOs to implement advocacy programmes on voter rights. Implement solidarity work with the electoral stakeholders to conduct credible elections. e e nd int in n i ite efine t e e ntent in e ent e ni incorporating social circles for the electoral process. Setup and function a Social Media Unit. 2. 3. 4. 3. 2. No. Activity 6. 1. 7. 1. 1. 1. 5. 1. Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Objec- tive No. 2017-2020 59 2018 2019 2020 Time frame 2017 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 DGE Sec (EC) Sec (EC) ACE (PE) ACE (PE) ACE (PE) ACE (PE) ACE (PE) Dir Lrgal Addl CE (PE) Addl CE (PE) ACE (Admin) ACE (Admin) ACE (Admin) DCE (Admin) Addl CE (L&I) Addl CE (WP) Addl CE (L&I) Responsibility - Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Activity Election Commission of Sri Lanka Conduct seminars on voter rights International days such as Human Rights, Women and Teachers days etc. at electorate level. Facilitate an advocacy process by end-2017 with the CSOs to convince the Parliamentary Select Committee to recommended a 25% quota for women in provincial council and parliamentary elections as well. Make special arrangements to provide voting facilities for the internally displaced persons (IDPs). Conduct a desk survey to identify number of remanded prison- ers and obtain the data from prison department. te ti e t e tin i it e nded i ne te iti tie t en e t t t e t t e e bearers are women in the party. in t e t t e e ti e e e i t e e ti n i i n n t e e t ende t te ende en iti ti n activities and to facilitate relevant stakeholders ensure gender rights. Conduct six (06) awareness creation programmes for members of Youth Parliament National Services Council on voter rights. Train and develop a pool of youth trainers (25) by end 2017 to conduct programmes on the theme of “Youth and Vote” in each polling division. Conduct a desk survey to identify number of disabled persons en nte di tie in tin t ei te 2. 3. 4. 2. 3. 2. No. Activity 2. 1. 3. 1. 4. 1. 5. 1. Objec- tive No. 2017-2020 60 2018 2019 2020 Time frame 2017 . Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 CFO DGE DGE DGE DGE Sec (EC) ACE (PE) ACE (PE) Dir Legal Dir Legal Addl CEE Addl CEE Addl CEE DC (Admin) DC (Admin) Addl CE (PE) Addl CE (PE) DCE (Admin) Addl CE (L&I) Addl CE (L&I) Responsibility i t i t i i t i t i i t i t i Key Activities Thrust Area 3 - Goal 6: Activity The election process is administered competently and transparently Prepare district level logistic plan for each and every election, administer and monitor the same. e e t nd e end e e ti n i t e ti n i i n i i ti n Develop the existing system of notifying logistic n e ent t t e e e nt e e ti n i ne ee i t the Election. Prepare and submit a proposal to the Parliamentary Select ittee t n ide t e tin i it e d in e ifi location) that enable employees in essential services both the Government and Private Sector to cast their ballot. Conduct a comprehensive survey to identify the portion of Gyp- sies, Adivasi, Telegu, Malayalam groups and street dwellers in the total population. te ti e t e e e i te in t e n e in t e e e t list and provide voting facility for the, Gypsies, Adivasi, Telegu, Malayalam groups and street dwellers. e e i i n t ide e d t in e ifi location voting facility for public and private sector persons en ed in e enti e i e in e ifi ti n n t e e day . 2. 3. 6. 7. No. Activity Election Commission of Sri Lanka 1. 1. 6. 1. 5. 5. Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Objec- tive No. 2017-2020 61 2018 2019 2020 Time frame 2017 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 DP DGE Sec (EC) Sec (EC) Sec (EC) Sec (EC) Sec (EC) Sec (EC) Dir (R&P) Sec (EC),DGE Sec (EC),DGE Sec (EC),DGE Sec (EC),DGE CFO, Dir (R&P) CFO, Dir (R&P) Responsibility Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Activity Election Commission of Sri Lanka Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) for each of the major activities and monitor performance. Improve existing progress reporting formats to meet current needs. n e e e ti e e t e e i tin e i t n t e t i ed t t e e n i i itie indi id t e e activities at locations and overall monitoring of activities. Initiate discussion with Parliamentary Select Committee in mid- 2017 on introducing an electronic voting system. ni e t findin i i n end t nt where an electronic voting system is applied, to learn about the practicability of the system in Sri Lanka. Introduce legal provisions to use e-voting through and act of Parliament. Conduct a series of public education programmes to make peo- ple aware of the new system. i t t e e e t ni tin te in fi e in di i i n end 2019. e it te de te n e i in din ini t e e ti e e t e nnin di i i n t e e ti n i i n nd t in t e n e e ti e implementation of the PSP. Strengthen the existing M&E system to meet current needs. Sec (EC),DGE Enhance the existing progress reviewing system. Conduct a mid-term evaluation in each year. 2. 3. 2. 3. 4. 5. 4. 5. No. Activity 1. 4. 2. 1. 3. 01. 4. 1. Objec- tive No. 2017-2020 62 2018 2019 2020 Time frame 2017 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 CFO DGE DGE DGE DGE DGE DGE DGE Sec (EC) Sec (EC) Sec (EC) Sec (EC) Sec (EC) Dir (R&P) Dir (R&P) Dir (R&P) Dir (R&P) Dir (R&P) Dir (R&P) Dir (R&P) Dir (R&P) Sec (EC),DG Addl CE (L&I) Addl CE (L&I) DGE, Sec (EC) DGE, Sec (EC) CFO,Dir Legal Responsibility - - Quater 2017) st Quater 2017) st Activity Convert the PSP planning Committee into an Implementation Committee. Conduct an annual comprehensive summative evaluation after completing the planned activities of PSP. ni e n ti n e ent t ed te i iti i n nd t e i t e end nd t t inin need e ent e in t e t e e e en i e t inin n t e t t e e tion Commission. int in e d t e n n e e t e t the Election Commission. e e e ien e ined e e i e t fi t e e i e ment of the Government regarding “Result Based Planning”. e i e de i ti n t t t t ei ent t Conduct monthly review meetings by the Implementation Committee to review the progress of implementing PSP. it e e fin n i e t t t e i i n secretariat monthly. Develop the existing annual performance evaluation system for t e t nd t t ee ene e ti n e t t e enti e EC to make them aware of the PSP. (by end 1 2. 2. 3. 4. 4. 5. 6. 5. 3. No. Activity 5. 1. 4. 6. 6. 1. Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Objec- tive No. 2017-2020 2018 2019 2020 Time frame 2017 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 CFO CFO CFO DGE DGE DGE DGE the EC Sec (EC) Sec (EC) Sec (EC) Addl CEE Acct (Procu) DGE, Sec (EC) DGE, Sec (EC) DGE, Sec (EC) CFO, Dir (R&P) Responsibility Acct (Payment) Ombudsman of DGE, CFO, Dir IT Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Activity Election Commission of Sri Lanka Quater 2017) st ni e t ei n nd t inin t e t ed n the human resources plan. nd t ten ient ti n e t e t e the new roles that they have to perform due change of EMB. (by end of 1 e it te n i i i in t t ine early 2017 and provide him/her an adequate training to manage the training unit. Plan to establish a Knowledge Management Centre (KM Centre) for the Election Commission by 2020. e t e e i tin e din te t e t t identi t e areas which require to be improved. Prepare an attractive rewarding system that will be appreciated t e t e e e ie n e ed e in te t e t nd t t inin e t e t n fin n i procurement, and assets management. e ti n fin n i nnin nd d etin n n in fin n i e tin te it e d e nd i t i t e e ti n e e ti n fin nt it i nd i Introduce and implement a database on election materials forms. 7. 8. 9. 2. 3. 2. 3. 4. 5. No. Activity 6. 6. 7. 1. 8. 1. Objec- tive No. 2017-2020 64 2018 2019 2020 Time frame 2017 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 CIA CIA CIA CIA CFO CFO DGE DGE DGE DGE CFO, Dir IT CFO, Dir IT DIT, AD (IT) DG, Sec(EC) DG, Sec(EC) Dir IT, AD-IT Dir IT, AD-IT Acct (Procu) Acct (Procu) Dir IT, AD (IT) Dir IT, AD (IT) DGE, Sec(EC) DGE, Sec(EC) DGE, Sec (EC) Acct (Payment) Responsibility Dir IT, Acct (Procu) Activity Enhancing stores management reporting system with District e ti n e Implement new reimbursement system for payment of election- Expences. Review existing audit system and make recommendations for development. Develop new internal auditing procedure. nd t t inin e t e t inte n dit Initi te ne inte n dit te in e d e nd i t i t e Develop and Implement annual ICT plan. Re-engineer the internal and core (electoral) processes of Election Commission. Develop ICT solutions for re-engineered processes. Establish an ICT training unit with required resources. Develop & Implement solutions for external integrations. Introduce online assets management system. Conduct timely board of surveys each year. 8. 9. 2. 3. 4. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. No. Activity 9. 1. 8. 6. Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) 10. 1. Objec- tive No. 2017-2020 65 2018 2019 2020 Time frame 2017 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 DIT, AD-IT DC (Admin) DC (Admin) Dir IT, AD-IT Dir IT, AD-IT DCE (Admin) Dir IT, AD (IT) Dir IT, AD (IT) Dir IT, AD (IT) Addl CE (WP) DGE, Sec (EC) DGE, Sec (EC) DGE, Sec (EC) DGE, Sec (EC) DGE, Sec (EC) DGE, Sec (EC) DGE, Sec (EC) Responsibility Dir IT, AC (Admin), Dir IT, Acct (Procu) i t i t i Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Key Activities Thrust Area 4 - Goal 7: Activity Election Commission of Sri Lanka Establish Electoral Management Systems (EMS). Develop e-Services to deliver services of Election Commission. DGE, Sec (EC) Develop required ICT infrastructure. Formulation and adoption of data sharing policy. Strengthen the external communication system with IT facilities to match current needs. Improve the communication system with district level election e e ni e t e e i tin inte n ni ti n te it I facilities to match the current needs. Enhance ICT unit with required resources (Physical/ Human). DGE, Sec (EC) e it en e t e e t t e e e January 2017. 7. 8. 2. 3. 9. 10. No. Activity 1 1. 10. 6. 11. 1. The needs of the stakeholders for data and information related to election process Election Commission are adequate ly Objec- tive No. 2017-2020 66 2018 2019 2020 Time frame 2017 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 DGE Sec(EC) Dir (R&P) Dir (R&P) Dir (R&P) Dir (R&P) DP, ACEE Acct (Procu) Acct (Procu) DCE (Admin) DCE (Admin) Addl CE(L&I), Addl CE (WP) Addl CE (WP) Addl CE (WP) DGE, Sec(EC) DGE, Sec(EC) DGE, Sec(EC) DGE, Sec(EC) DGE, Sec(EC), Addl CE ( L&I) DGE, Sec (EC) DGE, Sec (EC) DGE, Sec (EC) DGE, Sec (EC) Responsibility Dir (R&P), ACEE DCE&ACE (Admin) DCE&ACE (Admin), Activity Prepare and collect video clips, case studies etc. on election process. Carry out a publicity programme through media and the web on the library facility by mid-2017. Prepare a research policy document for the Election Commission. ide n de te e e it ne e nit e nd equipment. Update existing library with relevant international and local books, publications, reports etc. by end of 2017. Carry out a comprehensive research on evolution of election process in Sri Lanka and its future trends by mid-2018. i te ed ti n ine e ette t e te en n e iti ite n iti en Carry out researches on government policies related to the elec- tion process. e it te nd t in ti e t id Recruit a Publicity Manager/ Consultant to undertake all publicity related activities of the Commission. 6. 4. 5. 3. 3. 4. 2. No. Activity 3. 1. 1. 2. 2. 1. Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Objec- tive No. 2017-2020 67 2018 2019 2020 Time frame 2017 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 CFO DGE DGE ACEE Dir IT Dir IT Sec(EC) Addl CEE Addl CEE Addl CEE Dir (R&P) Dir (R&P) DGE, Sec(EC) DGE, Sec(EC) DGE, Sec (EC) DGE, Sec (EC) DGE, Sec (EC) DGE, Sec (EC) ACEE (PE&LAE) ACEE (PE&LAE) Responsibility Addl CEE, Dir IT DP, ACE (Admin) i t i t e Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Activity Election Commission of Sri Lanka Commence a library lending service for the civil society ni ti n end Enhance the user friendliness of announcing election results according to district and electorate facilitating publication. Translate compiled results into three languages and publish the results in print/electronic from along with reports of both national and international observers. Develop a Mobile android app for result distribution Upload elections results and the reports of observer groups into the web in three languages. Identi e t e i t nt e ent i d e ti i e d e n nd d ent t e it in t e fi t nt te t e election is concluded. Select a reputed reviewer and orientate him/her how to present the lessons learned with an analysis. Prepare a booklet of lessons learned and brief analysis in three languages to share with participants. Invite potential participants and journalists in advance. 2. 3. 4. 2. 3. 4. No Activity 3.4. 2. 1. 5. 1. Objec- tive No. 2017-2020 68 3. Annexures
3.1. Chronology of the Election System in Sri Lanka.
Year Description 1815 Whole island of Ceylon was formally brought under the British rule. 1796 and 1948 Ceylon became a crown colony. period 1829 – 1833 Colebrooke-Cameron reforms: Recommendations for administrative, fin n i e n i nd di i e 1919 Ceylon National Congress formed. Agitation and advocacy for more constitutional reforms. 1920 – 1924 Manning Constitutional Reforms and Manning Devonshire Constitutional e n n i e e t e e i ti e n i e e ted te was increased. 1931 – 1947 The Donoughmore Constitution, created by the Donoughmore i i n int d ed ni e d t n i e 1936 Representatives were elected to the Second State Council under Donoughmore Constitution. 1944 Soulbury Commission arrived in Sri Lanka and new constitutional reform was recommended. 1944 Under Soulbury Constitution, 95 members of the House of Representatives out of 101 members were elected by universal franchise. 1946 The Ceylon (Parliamentary Elections) Order in Council, 1946 was enacted on 26th September 1946 and it had provisions for the registration of the electors and for the conduct of Parliamentary Elections. 1947 First Parliamentary Election was conducted during a period of 19 days rd August 1947 to 20th September 1947. 1952 The second Parliamentary Election was conducted for 4 days from 24th t th May 1952. 1946 – 1955 From 1946 to 1955 there were two separate Departments to conduct elections. The Department of Parliamentary Elections was under a Commissioner authorised to register electors and to conduct Parliamentary Elections and the Department of Local Authorities Elections nde di e ent i i ne t i ed t nd t e e ti n t Authorities. 1955 On October 01, 1955, the Department of Elections was established by combining the two departments. 1960 First one day election 1972 First Republican Constitution of Sri Lanka. 1978 Second Republican Constitution of Sri Lanka. 1979 First local government election under proportional representation system (PR) 1981 District Development Council Election (PR) 1982 First Presidential election 1982 First Referendum Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP)
2017-2020 69 1988 First Provincial Council election under proportional representation system with preferences voting (PR&Pr) 1989 First Parliamentary election under proportional representation system with preferences voting (PR&Pr) 1991 First local government election after introduction of Pradeshiya Sabah (PR&Pr) 2001 rd October 2001, the Seventeenth Amendment was made to the Consti- tution that provided for an Election Commission to be appointed by the President on the recommendations of the Constitutional Council. 2006 e fi t e e ti n t t t identit d de nd t tin (Local Government Election ) 2015 Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution that was adopted on 15th May 2015, the incumbent Commissioner of Elections was to continue enforcing the powers vested in the Elections Commission until the appointment of the Election Commission. 2015 th November 2015 members for the Election Commission were appointed Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Election Commission of Sri Lanka
2017-2020 70 3.2. List of Names of the Commissioners of the Department of Elections and Members of the Election Commission.
Department of Elections
en t ni e n i e e ei ed i n n in t e e n dedicated institution to conduct the elections until 1947. Therefore, this responsibility was assigned to an existing institution on an ad hoc basis. During this period, a Commissioner and an Assistant Commissioner were appointed only for the purpose of conducting elections while the Government Agents were directed to conduct elections at district level. The First Parliamentary Election was conducted by Mr. Edwin Ronald Sudbury in the year 1947. Local Authorities Elections were conducted according to the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance of 1946 and Mr. P.O. Fernando was appointed the Commissioner of Elections (Local Government) on 01.02.1947 and Mr. S. Amarasinghe was appointed the Assistant Commissioner of Elections (Local Government). With the appointment of two clerks to assist them, a nucleus of a distinctive de t ent d e identified t e fi t ti e e e ne t e e en i t nt e ti n e nd i t nt e e inted i t d ee in e inted the Commissioner of Parliamentary Elections in the year 1952 and an institutional framework was developed at the district level under his direction. The second Parliamentary Election was conducted for 4 days during the period from 24th t th May 1952. Mr. G.P. Thambiah served as the Commissioner of Local Government Elections at that time.
On 01st of October 1955, the two departments, Parliamentary Elections and Local Government Elections, were amalgamated to form the Department of Elections. Mr. A. Arulpragasam, who was serving as the Commissioner of Parliamentary Elections from 01.06.1955, was appointed t e fi t i i ne t e ted e ti n e t ent e t i d i ent e ti n nd ted d t t e then Commissioner of Elections.
Upon the retirement of Mr. A. Arulpragasam, on 7th March 1957, the then Deputy Commissioner of Local Government Mr. E. Felix Dias Abeysinghe, was appointed as Commissioner of Elections. During the tenure of Mr. Dias Abeysinghe the practice of conducting Parliamentary General Elections on one day was introduced with the 1960 March Elections and this practice continued in the Parliamentary Elections in July 1960. The system of formal recognition of political parties, the issue of Poll Cards, and Postal Voting for essential services was introduced at this time. Further during the tenure of Mr. Dias Abeysinghe, much attention was paid towards the independence of this department, and the establishment of the current in tit ti n t t e i e t e inin nd din tin di t i t e e ti n e it t e e d e i e in e nd ted fi e ene e e ti n d in i te e e e t
On the retirement of Mr. E.F. Dias Abeysinghe on 15.05.1978, the then Deputy Commissioner, Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Mr. Magana Arachchige Piyasekera succeeded him on 16.05. 1978. Before being appointed the Commissioner, Mr. Piyasekara had been serving in the Department of Elections as an Assistant 2017-2020 71 e ti n e t nd te n i t nt i i ne of Elections. For a brief period he served in the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Again he continued servicing the Department of Elections from 21.04.1971 to the date of his appointment as the Commissioner of Elections. The 1978 Constitution was introduced at this time, consequent to which several new election laws were adopted.
A new system of Local Government called Development Councils was introduced by amalgamating t e n n i nd i e n i e fi t e e ti n t t e e e e ent n i conducted on 04.06.1981by Mr. M.A. Piyasekara, the Commissioner of Elections.
When Mr. M.A. Piyasekara, the Commissioner of Elections went on leave from 01.02.1982 preparatory to retirement, Mr. L.A.G. Jayasekara, the then Deputy Commissioner was appointed on17.02.1982, as the Acting Commissioner of Elections until the vacancy was fi ed e nent i i ne e e i n dditi n e et t e e ident e inted t e tin i i ne e ti n n e eti ed e i e n te e in n e i d e i e t the Department of Elections.
Mr. R.K. Chandrananda de Silva, who served as an Assistant Commissioner of Elections in the Department of Elections from 01.08.1960 to 1970, and later as a Government Agent and n dditi n e et t ini t inted t e i i ne e ti n it e e t e fi t e identi e e ti n i e d n th October of 1982 and the only referendum so far was conducted on 22.12.1982 under his administration. During his te e t ee e identi e ti n nd t i ent e ti n t et e it e e Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Provincial Councils and Local Government elections were conducted. Mr. R.K. Chandrananda de Silva retired from service on 16.02.1995.
After the retirement of Mr. R.K. Chandrananda de Silva, Mr. Dayananda Dissanayake, the then Deputy Commissioner of Elections, was appointed the Commissioner of Elections from in t e te e n nd i n e t e i i ne Election Commission of Sri Lanka Elections, the Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution which provided for the appointment of the Election Commission and the appointment of the Commissioner General of the Elections instead of the Commissioner was passed. There is a provision in the Amendment requiring the Commissioner has to perform the powers and the duties of the Commission until the establishment of the Commission. But there was no authority for the appointment of the Commissioner General of Elections other than by the Election Commission. Therefore, Mr. Dissnayake who reached the retirement age of 60 years on 28.01.2002 had to serve in the post even after that day. However, the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution, attested on 09th September 2010, provided for the appointment of an Additional Commissioner or a Deputy Commissioner of Elections to discharge the functions conferred on the Election Commissioner. e e e n nd i n e eti ed e n
When Mr. Dayananda Dissanayake, Commissioner of Elections obtained medical leave during the Presidential Election period in 1999 Mr. M.C. Arunthawachelvam, the then Deputy 2017-2020 72 Commissioner of Elections and the Acting Commissioner of Elections, stated that he was not in ient e t t nd t t e e e ti n n e t e t en ie e et in i n i d e ed t e i t i t et nin e d i t i t in t e tte t e t e e e inted t e tin i i ne Elections.
After the retirement of Mr. Dayananda Dissanayake the then Additional Commissioner of e ti n ind e i inted t e i i ne e ti n it e e t ind e i e ited t t e i n d ini t ti e Service on 01.07.1982 and was serving for 27 years in the Department of Elections as an Assistant Commissioner of Elections, a Deputy Commissioner of Elections and an Additional Commissioner of Elections until he was appointed to the post of the Commissioner of e ti n in e i fi t int ent n i t nt i i ne e ti n n nti e e e t e i i ne e ti n ind e i een t e fi t Commissioner of Elections ever to have served the Department of Elections, continuously from t e d te i fi t int ent
Election Commission
n th November 2015 members for the Independent Election Commission were appointed t e t i in t e e ti n i i n it e e t e e nde t e th Amendment to the Constitution. Mr. Mahinda Deshapriya, Commissioner of Elections was appointed as the Chairman of Election Commission while the other two members of the Commission were Mr. N. J. Abeyesekere PC. and Prof. S. Rantnajeevan H. Hoole. The Department of Elections was replaced by the Election Commission. Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP)
2017-2020 3.3. Members of the Advisory Committee of the Preparation of Participatory Strategic Plan for the Election Commission.
1. Mr. Mahinda Deshapriya, Chairman, Election Commission 2. Mr. N. J. Abeyesekere PC, Member, Election Commission 3. rof. . antnajeevan . oole, Member, Election Commission 4. Mr. H. M. D. T. Herath, Secretary, Election Commission 5. Mr. U. Amaradasa, Director General of Elections 6. Mr. R. M. A. L. Rathnayake, Additional Commissioner of Elections (LAE) 7. Mr. M. A. P. C. Perera, Additional Commissioner of Elections (PE) 8. Mr. M. M. Mohamed, Additional Commissioner of Elections (L&I) 9. Mr. E. A. Weerasena, ie in n i e 10. Mr. Nimal Punchihewa, Director (Legal) 11. Mr. A. O. M. Nafeel, Deputy Commissioner of Elections (Northern Province) 12. Mr. P. M. Siriwardhana, Rtd. Additional Commissioner of Elections 13. Mr. S. Medawewa, Rtd. Additional Secretary 14. Mr. Nalin Semage, Coordinating Secretary, Delimitation Commission
3.4. Members of the Planning Team of the Preparation of Participatory Strategic Plan for the Election Commission. Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) 1. Mr. Saman Sri Rathnayaka, Additional Commissioner of Elections (Western Province) 2. Mr. Rasika Pieris, Deputy Commissioner of Elections (Kalutara) 3. Mr. Channa P.de Silva, Director (Research & Planning) 4. Mr. H.W.N.Kumara, Accountant (Procurement) 5. s. ujani asarathna, Accountant (Payment) 6. Mrs. Chintha Dissanayaka, Assistant Commissioner of Elections (Local Authorities Elections) 7. Mr. Samantha Jayasingha, Assistant Commissioner of Elections (Parliamentary Elections) Election Commission of Sri Lanka 8. Mr. Nalaka Rathnayake, Assistant Commissioner of Elections (Administration) 9. r. anjan ishantha, Assistant Director (IT) 10. Mr. Suranga Ranasingha, Assistant Commissioner of Elections (Colombo District)
2017-2020 74 3.5. Members of the Assisting Group of the Preparation of Participatory Strategic Plan for the Election Commission.
1. Mr. Aroshana Gamlath, Chief Internal Auditor 2. Mr. S. Ekenayake, Director (IT) 3. Mr. Rizan M.A. Hameed, Coordinating, Secretary, Election Commission 4. r. . . uhajireen, Translator 5. Mrs. Helani Dharmadasa, Translator 6. Mr. M. A. Gamini, Translator 7. Mr. J. U. Piyanath, d ini t ti e e
3.6. Special Contribution of the Preparation of Participatory Strategic plan for the Election Commission.
1. Mr. P. A. S. Senarathna, DCE, Admin 2. Mr. A. B. I. De Silva, DCE, Galle Mr. T. A. C. N. Thalangama, DCE, Kandy 4. Mr. K. J. S. Madhawa, DCE, Kurunegala 5. Mr.S. Achchudan, Former DCE,Colombo City 6. r. ajira unewardana, DCE, Gampaha 7. r. avi ijekumara, ACE, Matara 8. Mr. Dilip Nishantha De Silva, ACE, Kegalle 9. Mr. Shanika Rupasingha, ACE, Matale 10. Mr. Asanka Rathnayaka, ACE, Anuradhapura 11. Mr. Suranga Ambagahathanne, ACE, Ratnapura 12. Mr. H. I. R. Hathurusngha, ACE, Baddulla Mr. Deepal Chandrathna, Former ACE, Hambantota 14. Mr. D. T. I. Wickremarathne, ACE, Ampara 15. Mr. S. Akilan n 16. r. . . mal aj, ACE, Kilinochchi 17. Mr. P. Ragunathan, Former ACE, Gampaha 18. r. . . ravintharaj, ACE, Mannar 19. Mr. R. Saseelan, ACE, Baticaloa 20. Mr. S. A. Welgama, ACE, Trincomalee 21. Mr. Leelanath Wickramaarachchi, ACE, Nuwaraeliya 22. Mr. A. M. M. Kabeer, ACE, Puttalam Mr. S. A. D. Praveena, AO, Kurunegala 24. Mr. R. H. K. Ranasinghe, AO, Gampaha Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP)
2017-2020 75 3.7. List of Stakeholder Consultative Meetings held to generate data and information for the developing of the participatory strategic plan for the Election Commission
No of meet- No. District Nature of Stakeholders ings held Election Secretariat Political Party Leaders, Secretaries and 01. 1 (ES) permanent representatives Election Secretariat 02 Election Observer Groups 1 (ES) Election Secretariat 03. i t e e ti n e t 1 (ES) Election Secretariat 04. Professionals 1 (ES) Election Secretariat 05. Members of Trade Unions 1 (ES) Election Secretariat 06. Bankers and Business community 1 (ES) Election Secretariat Media heads and permanent 07. 1 (ES) representatives Election Secretariat 08. District Secretaries 1 (ES) Election Secretariat 09. en nd t 1 (ES) Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Election Secretariat Representatives of Farmers and Fisher 10. 1 (ES) ni ti n Election Secretariat 11. Disabled Persons Associations 1 (ES) Election Secretariat 12. i i n d ini t ti e e i e 1 (ES)
Election Secretariat Heads of Departments of selected Election Commission of Sri Lanka 13. 1 (ES) government agencies Election Secretariat eni in e ti i ted in 14. 1 (ES) the last General Election Election Secretariat 15. Secretaries to the Ministries 1 (ES) Election Secretariat 16. Grama Niladaries 1 (ES) Election Secretariat 17. I i e e ted e n ent en ie 2 (ES) Election Secretariat e e ted i en ie idin 18. 1 (ES) essential services e e e e ted t nd en 19. Gampaha nd di t i t e e ti n i
2017-2020 76 No of meet- No. District Nature of Stakeholders ings held 20. e e t en fi e ie Galle election observer groups, CBOs and di t i t e e ti n i 21. e e t en fi e ie Matara election observer groups, CBOs and di t i t e e ti n i 22. Members of youth, women, farmer, Anuradhapura election observer groups, CBOs and di t i t e e ti n i 23. Members of youth, women, election Vavuniya observer groups, CBOs, clergy and district e e ti n i 24. Members of youth, women, election Mullaitivu observer groups, CBOs and district e e ti n i 25. e e t en fi e ie Killinochchi election observer groups, CBOs and di t i t e e ti n i 26. Members of youth, women, election n e e n e i ti n nd di t i t e e ti n i 27. Members of youth, women, journalists, Trincomalee election observer groups, CBOs and di t i t e e ti n i 28. Members of youth, women, election Mannar observer groups, CBOs and district e e ti n i 29. Members of youth, women, farmers, Polonnaruwa clergies, election observer groups, CBOs nd di t i t e e ti n i 30. Members of youth, women, farmers, clergy, election observer groups, CBOs, Monaragala d i n i t nd di t i t e e ti n i 31. Members of youth, women, farmers, Hambantota clergy, election observer groups, CBOs, n i t nd di t i t e e ti n i 32. Members of youth, women, farmers, Badulla election observer groups, CBOs, n i t nd di t i t e e ti n i 33. Members of youth, women, farmers, Kurunegala adult election observer groups, CBOs, n i t nd di t i t e e ti n i 34. Members of youth, women, farmers, Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) estate workers, election observer groups, Nuwara Eliya CBOs, journalists and district election 2017-2020 i 77 No of meet- No. District Nature of Stakeholders ings held Members of youth, women, election 35. Kegalle observer groups, CBOs, and district e e ti n i Members of youth, women, election 36 Puttalam observer groups, CBOs, and district e e ti n i Members of youth, women, election 37. Ratnapura observer groups, CBOs, and district e e ti n i Members of youth, women, election 38. Batticaloa observer groups, CBOs, and district e e ti n i Members of youth, women, election 39. Ampara observer groups, CBOs, and district e e ti n i Members of youth, women, election 40. Kandy/Matale observer groups, CBOs, and district e e ti n i Members of youth, women, election 41. Kalutara observer groups, CBOs, and district e e ti n i Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Election Commission of Sri Lanka
2017-2020 78 3.8. Organizational Chart & Functions of the Election Commission
Organizational Chart & Functions of the Election Commission Seri- Division Sub Objectives Duties al Division of the Responsi- No. Division ble
1. e t e e - Administra- Execution Administra- Sec(EC) tion tion of duties tive func- Commission entrusted tions of the Operations to the Commission, Election Foreign Commissi on Operations relations exercising and coordi- the powers nations Coordinating vested in the and statu- Commissi on tory Secretary by the functions of Unit Constituti on the and other Commission, Special relevant projects legislations Recruitment for the transfer and Law conduct of release of reforms & free, fair members of enforcement and credible t t e elections. Commission, Information technology Commission meetings Accounts and prepa- ration of minutes,
Establish- ment mat- te t e Foreign training and i i iti
Accounting t e e of the Commission Gender and Implementa- DGE voting right of tion of the Addl CE (PE) disabled programme iti en “Vote is your Bureau Right” ACE (LAE) Recognition of political parties and Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) collection of Annual Reports, 2017-2020 79 Seri- Division Sub Objectives Duties al Division of the Responsi- No. Division ble
liaising with ACE (LAE) local Election Monitoring Groups,
Standing ACE (LAE) Committee of Political Party Representa- tives, maintaining and updat- ing t e i website
Functions ACE (PE) needed to strengthen women representa- tion in institu-
tions Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) of people representa- tion and safeguarding the voting rights of disabled Addl CE iti en (WP) iti en it Election Commission of Sri Lanka special needs Introduction Addl CE (PE) of an ACE (LAE) Ombuds- man to attend to grievances and complaints of t e t
2017-2020 80 Seri- Division Sub Objectives Duties al Division of the Responsi- No. Division ble
Action Addl CE (PE) pertaining to the proposal to granting voting rights to expatriate electors and the proposal to advance voting or voting at an alternative polling station
Annual Sec (EC) Performance Report
Construction DCE and (Admin) maintenance 2. Establishment Administra- Manage- Coordination DGE Management tion ment of es- among tablishment District DCE matters Election (Admin) for the e execution General 0f duties administra- vested in the ti n i Commissi on by the Establish- ACE constitution ment mat- (Admin) for conduct ters of non of free and t e fair elections Establishment Security, DGE janitorial, and ACE Record welfare (Admin) room and activities AO Publications Matters ACE Public rela- relating to (Admin) tions the postal AO
Transport Provision of ACE transport (Admin) Postal facilities and AO vehicle Language maintenance Election Commission of Sri Lanka
Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) policy and control implementa- tion unit 2017-2020 81 Seri- Division Sub Objectives Duties al Division of the Responsi- No. Division ble
Implemen- tation of the Language Policy
General activities relating to State policies of non politicalna- ture 3. Parliament Election Preparation All matters Addl CE Branch of all pertaining (PE) inclusive to the Electoral prepara- Register tion and ni in of Annual matters Electoral relating to Register
the Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) conduct of Calculation national of elections the num- safeguardi ber of ng the Members universal franchise of Parliament Election Commission of Sri Lanka Conduct of national Elections and referenda
Filling vacancies in vacant seats of Parliament
Prepara- tion of election reports
2017-2020 82 Seri- Division Sub Objectives Duties al Division of the Responsi- No. Division ble
4. Local Authority Organisa- Conduct of Addl CE Election Branch tional Provincial (LAE) activities council/ relating to Local the Authority conduct of Elections Provincial council/ Preparation Local of election Authority reports Elections where all Filling of electors member can vacancies exercise their Liaising with voting right Delimitation freely Commission without fear and in secrecy 5. Legal and Legal and Attend to Judicial Addl CE Investigation investigation all matters matters (L&I) relating to the Investigation enforcement in to of election complaints laws for the maintenance Law reforms of conducive and of envi- enforcement ronme nt for the conduct of free and fair election 6. Planning and Planning Develop- Dir (R&P) Training and pro- ment gress of the review Strategic Plan Training Preparation and of Annual Develop- Action Plan ment
Knowledge Manage- ment Unit
Statistics Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Media unit 2017-2020 Seri- Division Sub Objectives Duties al Division of the Responsi- No. Division ble
A proper Operations planning and monitoring evaluation and progress mechanism review will be relating establish for thereto the Election Commissi on ni in and the capacity capacity of building t e t programmes needed for t e t the conduct of free and Media relat- fair election ed will be activities enhanced 7. Finance and Asset Finance n e ient Preparation CFO Management e e ti e nd fin n i accurate plans, Acct fin n e nd (Pyment) Preparation asset of budget manage- estimate, ment pro- cess will be Accounting established and Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) for the preparation conduct of of returns, free and fair elections All receipts and payments Issuing instructions n fin n i Election Commission of Sri Lanka management
Maintenance of bank accounts Advances to public e Answering audit queries Liaising with the Committee on Accounts Action on various deposits accounts 2017-2020 84 Seri- Division Sub Objectives Duties al Division of the Responsi- No. Division ble
Procurement Procure- Acct (Pro- and Asset ments, curement) Management Stores man- agement,
Board of survey, Asset man- agement, Maintenance of machinery and equip- ment including communica- tion equipment,
Settlement of telephone/ electricity and water bills 8. Internal Audit An Auditing, Internal e ient Auditor and Liaising with e e ti e the Audit internal Management control Committee, mechanis m will be Liaising with establishe the d for the Department conduct of of Audit free and Management fair elections 9. Information n e ient Management DGE Technology nd e e ti e of the data information base of the Dir IT technology Electoral system will Register, be establish in the System Election analysis, Commissi on development while and software introducing manufactur- e e ti e ing, modern technolog- Liaising with Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) ical Information and 2017-2020 85 Seri- Division Sub Objectives Duties al Division of the Responsi- No. Division ble
methods Communica- applicable to tion the election Technology process agency and other rele- vant institutions,
Maintaining i i websites
Conduct of IT training pro- grammes,
Maintenance of internal computer networks and repairs to computers Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Election Commission of Sri Lanka
2017-2020 86 4. Photo Gallery
Mr. D.S. Senanayake addressing an election rally
Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike casting her vote
Mr. Dudley Senanayake addressing an election rally
Mr. J. R. Jayawardene casting his vote
Mr. S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike casting his vote
Mr. D. B. Wijethunga casting his vote Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Mr. R. Premadasa casting his vote 2017-2020 87 Mrs. Chandrika Kumaratunga casting her vote
Mr. S. J. V. Chelvanayagam arriving at the polling booth
Dr. N. M. Perera addressing an election rally Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Election Commission of Sri Lanka
Mr. A. Amirthalingam arriving at the polling booth
Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksha casting his vote
2017-2020 88 Then Commissioner of Elections Mr. Dayananda Dissanayake with System at the Election Secretariat in 2007
Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe casting his vote
Mr. Maithripala Sirisena casting his vote
Mr. Anura Bandaranaike casting his vote
Mr. R. Sampanthan addressing an election rally Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Mr. Karu Jayasuriya casting his vote 2017-2020 89 Happy mother who cast her vote with her daughter’s assistance
Still eager to vote
1954 and at the recently held election in 2015 Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Election Commission of Sri Lanka Marriage and the vote a doorway to a new life
Counting in progress at a counting centre
Lined up to caste their votes Carrying Ballot Boxes 2017-2020 90 Facilitating the poll under tiring circumstances
Being disabled is no barrier to exercise the right to vote
Waiting to cast their votes
Mr. Chandrananda De Silva, Election Commissioner announcing elections results
A member of the indigenous Veddah community at a polling booth Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Mr.Mahinda Deshapriya, Commissioner of Elections Bringing the Ballot Box back to counting center 2017-2020 91 Workshops and Discussions on the Development of the PSP in progresss Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Election Commission of Sri Lanka
2017-2020 92 Workshops and Discussions on the Development of the PSP in progresss Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP)
2017-2020 Workshops and Discussions on the Development of the PSP in progresss Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Election Commission of Sri Lanka
2017-2020 94 5. Abbreviations
ACE Assistant Commissioner of Elections ACE (PE) Assistant Commissioner of Elections (Parliamentary Elections) ACE (LAE) Assistant Commissioner of Elections (Local Authorities Elections) ACE (Admin) Assistant Commissioner of Elections (Administration) Acct (Payment) Accountant (Payment) Acct (Procurement) Accountant (Procurement) AD-IT Assistant Director Information Technology) Addl CE (L&I) Additional Commissioner of Elections (Legal & Investigation) Addl CE (PE) Additional Commissioner of Elections (Parliamentary Elections) Addl CE (WP) Additional Commissioner of Elections (Western Province) Addl (LAE) Additional Commissioner of Elections (Local Authorities Elections) AO dministrative fficer CBOs Community Based Organisations CCS Ceylon Civil Service CFO hief inancial fficer CIGAS Computerised Integrated Government Accounting System CNC Ceylon National Congress CSOs Civil Society Organisations DCE Deputy Commissioner of Elections DCE (Admin) Deputy Commissioner of Elections (Administration) DGE Director General of Elections Dir IT Director (Information Technology) Dir Legal Director (Legal ) Dir R&P Director (Research & Planning) EC Election Commission EMBs Electoral Management Bodies EMOs lectoral anagement fficers EMS Electoral Management Systems GCE (OL) eneral ertificate of ducation rdinary level GND Grama Niladhari Division GNI Gross National Income HDI uman evelopment Inde ICT Information and Communication Technology INGOs International Non Governmental Organisations KM Centre Knowledge Management Centre KPI Key Performance Indicator LFA Logical Framework Approach M&E Monitoring and Evaluation PSP Participatory Strategic Planning Election Commission of Sri Lanka Participatory Strategic Plan (PSP) Sec(EC) Secretary - Election Commission 2017-2020 95 STRATEGIC PLAN 2017-2020 ELECTION COMMISSION OF SRI LANKA
Election Commission Elections Secretariat, 02, Sarana Mawatha, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka (+94)112868441-42-43 (+94)112868426 [email protected] www.elections.gov.lk SriLankaElectionCommission elecomsl