The Election Commission has invited applications from eligible political parties seeking recognition for the year 2025. The application window will be open from February 28 to March 28, 2025, with a deadline of 3:00 p.m. on March 28 for submissions.
According to the Commission, applications must be submitted by registered post or handed over by the party’s secretary in person. The envelope should be clearly marked “Application for Recognition of Political Parties – 2025” and addressed to the Chairman of Elections at the Election Commission Secretariat in Rajagiriya.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. To qualify, parties must submit certified photocopies of key documents, including the party constitution, a list of office-bearers with at least one woman included, audited financial statements for the past four years, a current policy statement, and evidence of political activity over the same period.
Recognized parties requesting a symbol must specify their preferred choice from the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2404/64, dated October 4, 2024. The Election Commission has stated that orders issued under Section 7 of the Parliamentary Elections Act are final regarding party recognition decisions.
Application forms can be downloaded from www.elections.gov.lk or obtained from District Election Offices.
For further details, applicants are advised to refer to the Parliamentary Elections Act, No. 1 of 1981 and the latest Gazette criteria on party registration, Gazette No. 2263/23, dated January 21, 2022.
