A proposal to discontinue the long-standing practice of applying indelible ink on voters’ fingers after they cast their ballots could save around Rs. 100 million in public funds during each election, according to the People’s Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL).
PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi made the remarks during a special media briefing held at the organization’s head office on June 24.
He described the proposal as a practical reform that has been discussed for several years among election stakeholders, political parties, and civil society organizations. According to Hettiarachchi, changing the current practice could reduce election-related expenses without affecting the credibility of the voting process.
For decades, indelible ink has been used during elections to prevent individuals from voting more than once. The ink, applied to a voter’s finger after a ballot is cast, serves as a visible indication that the person has already participated in the election.
However, Hettiarachchi argued that the electoral environment has changed considerably over the years. He said stronger voter identification requirements and improved voter registration systems have reduced the risk of impersonation and multiple voting.
According to PAFFREL, the mandatory use of voter identity cards has strengthened the verification process at polling stations. Election officials can now confirm voter identities more effectively than in previous decades, making the need for indelible ink less critical.
Technology and Electoral Reforms
Hettiarachchi also pointed to improvements in electoral administration and technology. He noted that modernized electoral rolls have helped reduce opportunities for election-related fraud.
As a result, he believes resources currently spent on importing, distributing, and managing indelible ink could be redirected elsewhere within the election system.
The proposal comes at a time when authorities are increasingly examining ways to improve public sector efficiency and reduce unnecessary expenditure. While no final decision has been announced, the discussion highlights how election processes may evolve as technology and voter verification systems continue to improve.
Any future change would ultimately require consideration by election authorities and policymakers. However, PAFFREL maintains that maintaining election integrity does not necessarily require retaining every traditional practice if alternative safeguards are already in place.
The debate is likely to continue as stakeholders weigh potential cost savings against public confidence in the electoral process.
abinet Approves Legal Changes
The proposal has already received Cabinet approval, indicating that the government is moving ahead with plans to remove the requirement for marking voters with indelible ink during elections.
Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said the Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal to amend the relevant laws that currently require the use of indelible ink at polling stations.
At present, voters are required to verify their identity using a valid photo identification document before receiving a ballot. After voting, election officials apply indelible ink to a finger of the voter to prevent multiple voting.
Explaining the government’s position, Jayatissa said both methods are currently being used to achieve the same objective of preventing electoral fraud.
“Having to follow two different methods at the same time to achieve the same objective hinders the efficiency of the duties performed at polling stations and is an unnecessary expense for the government,” he told reporters.
The proposed legal amendments would remove the mandatory requirement for indelible ink while retaining voter identity verification procedures. Supporters of the reform argue that the change could simplify operations at polling stations, reduce election-related costs, and improve administrative efficiency without weakening safeguards against multiple voting.
Cabinet Decisions Economic & Regulation Ministerial Update
Last modified: June 24, 2026
