Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana today endorsed the certificates on the Registration of Electors (Amendment) Bill and the Employees’ Provident Fund (Amendment) Bill.
The two Bills were taken up for debate in Parliament on the 7th of October.
The Employees’ Provident Fund (Amendment) Bill was amended to enable Sri Lankan workers who are working in India to withdraw contributions to the Social Security Fund before the age of 58.
Prior to the amendment, Lankans working in India were required by law to contribute to the Social Security Fund of India and can only withdraw the contribution upon retirement at 58 years.
The Registration of Electors (Amendment) Bill will enable persons who attained 18 years to cast their votes expeditiously.
Prior to this, under the Registration of Electors Act No.44 of 1980, voters are registered as persons who have attained the age of 18 years on the first day of June annually.
Youth who have a birthday after the said date will have the right to vote at the election which will be held after 31st May of the following year.
Accordingly, the Registration of Electors (Amendment) Act No. 22 of 2021 and the Employees Provident Fund (Amendment) Act No.23 of 2021 are effective as of today.
