The Parliamentary Select Committee has recommended that relevant legal amendments are tabled in Parliament in order to hold the long-delayed Provincial Council elections quickly.

The Select Committee of Parliament was appointed to identify appropriate reforms to election laws and the electoral system and to recommend necessary amendments.

It was alleged that a number of problems have arisen in the country due to the inactivity of the Provincial Councils for more than three years. Presently only local government bodies are functioning.

Committee members had discussed holding the PC elections under a mixed electoral system. They had also talked about increased representation of women in politics.

Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa pointed out at the committee meeting that many problems have been created in the country due to the inactivity of the Provincial Councils for more than three years.

The Minister of Finance stated that it is not fair for one person to control the Provincial Councils. "Parliament and the Local Government instiutions are active and serving the public. It is unfortunate that Provincial Councils are inactive," Rajapaksa said at the meeting.

The Minister of Finance further stated that action should be taken to hold the Provincial Council Elections expeditiously.

Meanwhile, the committee members pointed out that action should be taken to hold the current provincial council election under the old electoral system.

The Leader of the House, Dinesh Gunawardena said that the legal amendments required to hold the Provincial Council elections should be presented to Parliament next January.