The Australian Government is now in a caretaker period in advance of the forthcoming election. Until a new government is sworn in, government operations are conducted in accordance with the caretaker conventions.
Voting in the 3 May 2025 Federal Election
The Australian Federal Election has been announced for Saturday 3 May 2025. If you’re an Australian citizen overseas on the day of the election, you can still have your say by voting at on overseas voting centre or by postal vote.
In-Person Voting
You will be able to vote in-person at the Australian High Commission in Colombo according to this schedule below:
- Address: 21 Srimath RG Senanayake Mawatha Colombo 7
|
Day |
Opening Hours |
|
Wednesday 23 April |
10:00am to 3pm |
|
Thursday 24 April |
10:00am to 3pm |
|
Friday 25 April |
10:00am to 3pm |
|
Saturday 26 April |
Closed |
|
Sunday 27 April |
Closed |
|
Monday 28 April |
10:00am to 3pm |
|
Tuesday 29 April |
10:00am to 3pm |
|
Wednesday 30 April |
10:00am to 3pm |
|
Thursday 1 May |
Closed – May Day (Public Holiday) |
|
Friday 2 May |
10:00am to 3pm |
Please note that all times are local to this polling place (Sri Lankan Standard Time).
What to expect at the Australian High Commission
- You do not need an appointment to vote.
- You must present photo ID (e.g. Driver’s licence or Passport) for entry to the Australian High Commission
- Entry to the Australian High Commission will be subject to standard security screening process.
Postal Voting
If you are overseas and are unable to vote in-person, you can visit the AEC website to apply for a postal vote.
Postal vote packs will be sent to you by international courier from Australia commencing three weeks before polling day. The latest date to request an overseas postal vote from the AEC is 6pm, Wednesday 30 April 2025 AWST (Australian Western Standard Time). If you provided an email address or phone number when applying for a postal vote, you will receive an automatic notification when it is dispatched.
If you did not provide an email address or phone number and your postal vote does not arrive within 10 days from the date you submitted your application, call the AEC on +61 2 6160 2600.
You can mail your completed postal vote to the Australian High Commission in Colombo or drop it off in person no later than 3:00pm on Friday, 2 May 2025.
You can also return your postal vote directly to the AEC in Australia. The cost to return your postal vote by courier or mail to the Australian High Commission in Colombo or to the AEC in Australia is your responsibility.
For your postal vote to be counted it must be completed before 6pm AWST time 3 May 2025, and received by the AEC in Australia by 6pm Friday 16 May 2025 AEST.
Further information
You must be enrolled to vote. You can enrol, update your details or check your details on the AEC website.
If you can't vote because you are overseas, you need to advise the AEC by completing an Overseas Notification Form.
Find additional information on the election and voting at these websites:
High Commissioner to Sri Lanka
High Commissioner's Welcome
Welcome to the Australian High Commission’s website, where you will find a wide range of information about our role and responsibilities in Sri Lanka.
With Sri Lanka, Australia has been a close friend and partner since before independence, underpinned by extensive bilateral cooperation and people-to-people links. Australia’s Sri Lankan community of 170,000 people makes a significant contribution to Australian society. Our relationship encompasses development cooperation, education and close collaboration on countering people smuggling. We support Sri Lanka as it makes progress towards meaningful reconciliation.
On challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, Australia works actively with Sri Lanka to address shared interests, including the threats posed by transnational crime.
For Australians travelling or living in Sri Lanka, I recommend subscribing to the latest Travel Advice to receive updates through Smartraveller:
Sri Lanka: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/sri-lanka
Also remember to follow Smartraveller on Facebook and Twitter!
Important changes to Smartraveller
Smartraveller has the latest, authoritative travel advice so you can be informed and prepared about overseas travel. Subscribe to receive travel advice updates - by simply supplying your name and email address – straight to your inbox.
You can now also subscribe to the new SMS service - by supplying your mobile number – to receive critical alerts in the event of a crisis overseas.
In a crisis, Smartraveller will activate a crisis page on its website. It will make it easier for you or someone you know to contact the Australian Government if you need help. It will supplement the consular emergency hotline.
Visit www.smartraveller.gov.au to subscribe or connect with Smartraveller on Facebook and Twitter.
