Women MPs push for 33% political representation

Colombo, July 13 (Daily Mirror) - The Women Parliamentarians' Caucus has called for urgent policy and legal reforms to ensure that women receive greater representation in Sri Lanka's Provincial Council and Local Government elections, proposing that female representation be increased to a minimum of 33%.

The proposal was discussed at a recent meeting of the Women Parliamentarians' Caucus chaired by Minister of Women and Child Affairs and Caucus Chairperson Saroja Savithri Paulraj. During the meeting, members stressed the importance of introducing legal provisions that would guarantee women make up at least one-third of both nomination lists and elected representatives at Provincial Council and Local Government elections.

To advance the initiative, the caucus decided to hold discussions with the Election Commission of Sri Lanka on the proposed reforms. Members also examined several options for achieving the 33% target, including reserving seats for women within nomination lists or introducing provisions through a mixed electoral system.

The meeting also focused on the broader challenges that continue to discourage women's participation in politics. Members highlighted societal attitudes, the high cost of contesting elections, and limited support from political parties as key barriers that need to be addressed. They emphasized the importance of implementing public awareness programmes to encourage greater acceptance and participation of women in political leadership.

In addition, the caucus discussed the electoral system proposed for Provincial Council elections and formulated recommendations to be submitted to the Parliamentary Select Committee currently studying electoral reforms.

The meeting was attended by several women parliamentarians and deputy ministers, including Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne, Chamindrani Kiriella, Rohini Kumari Wijeratne, and other members of the caucus, who reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening women's political representation through legislative and policy reforms.