Sri Lanka, Sept. 16 -- The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to formulate laws enabling Sri Lankans living overseas to cast their votes in national elections.

At present, Sri Lanka's election laws only allow citizens residing within the country and registered in the electoral roll to exercise their franchise. No legal provision exists for overseas citizens to vote, despite many Asian countries such as India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines having introduced mechanisms to ensure this right.

Recognizing the importance of safeguarding voting rights for Sri Lankans abroad, the Cabinet granted approval for the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government to appoint a committee to study and propose n...