July 21, Colombo (LNW): Efforts to strengthen the representation of women and young people in Sri Lanka’s Provincial Councils gathered pace after the Election Commission submitted a technical report to the Parliamentary Select Committee reviewing the country’s electoral system.
The committee, chaired by Minister Vijitha Herath, met recently at Parliament with the participation of Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, who heads the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus, along with several members of the caucus and other stakeholders.
According to discussions at the meeting, the report proposes measures to improve the participation of women and youth in Provincial Council elections without altering the existing Proportional Representation (PR) system or the current method used to determine election results. The recommendations are intended to enhance inclusivity while maintaining the overall structure of the electoral process.
Committee members also examined the legal, constitutional and administrative implications of implementing the proposed reforms. It was agreed that several outstanding issues require further study before any final recommendations are made, with additional discussions expected during future committee sittings.
A key point raised during the meeting was the need to increase female representation in elected bodies. Members of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus unanimously called for women to occupy at least 33 per cent of seats in both Provincial Councils and Local Government institutions, arguing that stronger representation is essential for more balanced and inclusive decision-making.
The committee is expected to continue evaluating proposals aimed at modernising the electoral framework, with greater opportunities for women and young people emerging as a central priority in the broader reform process.
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