2004 Sri Lankan provincial council elections

The 2004 Sri Lankan provincial council elections were held on April 25, 2004, for the establishment of provincial councils in the regions of North-Western, Central, Uva, and Sabaragamuwa. This election was significant as it took place amidst ongoing peace negotiations between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), influenced heavily by India’s role as a mediator in the Sri Lankan civil conflict. The polls were marked by low voter turnout and allegations of violence, reflecting the region's turbulent political climate. The elections were aimed at decentralizing power and enhancing local governance, embodying India's broader strategies for conflict resolution in South Asia. The results further complicated Sri Lanka's political landscape and the peace process initiated with Indian assistance.