The Bill received 159 votes in favour and 34 votes against.

The TNA, JVP and SLMC voted with the government.

The Bill proposes measures to hold elections under a hybrid of the First Past the Post and Proportional Representation system.

The Bill seeks to amend the Provincial Councils Elections Act, No. 2 of 1988 to make it binding on all political parties and independent groups to field at least 30 percent female candidates at Provincial Council elections.

The Bill was moved in accordance with the Presidential election pledge to change the electoral system.

The Attorney General too had informed Parliament in the evening that some of the amendments required a two-thirds majority. However, the Government managed to obtain the two-thirds majority and pass the Bill. (CDN)