In a significant move, the Cabinet has given its nod to the introduction of a hybrid parliamentary electoral system in Sri Lanka. This system will see the election of 160 Members of Parliament (MPs) under the traditional First-Past-the-Post System, with the remaining MPs elected through proportional representation, sources at the Daily Mirror report.

Presently, the Sri Lankan Parliament comprises 225 MPs. The proposal, presented by Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and endorsed by the Cabinet, aims to introduce constitutional amendments to facilitate this new electoral framework. A new legislative piece will be drafted for parliamentary consideration to implement the necessary constitutional changes.

The hybrid electoral system marks a departure from the previous attempts to reform the electoral process, which primarily focused on proportional representation and preferential voting. This development signals a potential shift in the country's electoral landscape and is poised to generate discussions and debates in the coming months.