In line with the EU election observation methodology, observers do not interfere in the electoral process and have no mandate to change or correct any shortcomings. All EU election observers are bound by a strict code of conduct and ethical guidelines that guarantee their neutrality and impartiality.

The EU EOM operates in accordance with the ‘Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation’ endorsed under United Nations auspices in 2005, and now signed by more than 50 international organisations involved in election observation worldwide.
The role of the EU EOM is not to legitimate an electoral process nor to validate election results. The EU EOM, rather, has a mandate to observe, collect and analyse information related to the electoral process and to publish findings and conclusions, based on this work.

The EOM is independent in its findings from the EU Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, EU member states, and EU institutions.

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) is led by Chief Observer Nacho Sánchez Amor, a Member of the European Parliament from Spain. The Core Team of the EU EOM consists of the 10 election experts, who arrived in Colombo on 14 August. On 25 August, 26 Long-term Observers will join the mission to be deployed on the 29 August across the country to follow the electoral process.
Thereafter, 32 Short-term Observers will join the mission around election day to observe the opening, voting, counting and tabulation of results.

The EU EOM will remain in the country until the completion of the electoral process. Following the EU election observation methodology, the mission will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Colombo two days after the elections.

The final report, which will include a set of recommendations for future electoral processes, will be presented and shared with stakeholders after the finalisation of the entire electoral process.

The Mission will assess all aspects and stages of the electoral process including:

• the legal framework and its implementation
• the performance of the election administration
• the role of state institutions
• voter registration
• campaign activities and campaign finance
• the overall environment of the elections, including respect for fundamental freedoms, civil and political rights
• the participation of women and persons with disabilities
• the role of the media, including online information sources and social media
• the role of civil society
• voting, counting and tabulation
• the complaints and appeals process and
• the announcement of the results.