Women MPs' Caucus seeks legal guarantee for 33% representation in provincial, local polls

The Sri Lanka Women Parliamentarians' Caucus has called for legal reforms to ensure a minimum 33 per cent representation for women in Provincial Council and Local Government elections.

The proposal was discussed at a meeting of the caucus chaired by Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savitri Paulraj in Parliament.

The members reviewed proposals to be submitted to the Special Parliamentary Committee appointed to examine women's and youth representation in Provincial Council elections and recommend an appropriate electoral system.

The caucus stressed the need for statutory provisions to guarantee women's representation both in nomination lists and among elected representatives. It also decided to hold discussions with the Election Commission to advance the proposed reforms.

Among the options considered were mandatory quotas in nomination lists, reserved seats for women, and a mixed electoral system to ensure greater female representation.

Members also identified several obstacles to increasing women's participation in politics, including entrenched social attitudes, the high cost of contesting elections and the need for stronger commitment from political parties to nominate and support female candidates.

The caucus further emphasised the importance of conducting public awareness programmes to encourage greater participation of women in the political process.