Mandatory 25% youth representation in Local Government bodies to be proposed again

Member of Parliament, Premnath C. Dolawatta, participating at a press conference convened at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) on Friday (18), under the theme “Collective path to a stable country” emphasized his intention to introduce a bill to establish a mandatory 25% representation of youth within local government bodies.

The MP said that subsequent to the 1989 youth unrest  the Youth Discontent Commission had proposed a 25% youth nominations within local government bodies. However, in an unfortunate turn of events the introduction of women’s representation rights led to the inadvertent dismissal of the youth’s entitlement, as stipulated by the relevant Local Government Act.

As a result, the 2018 local government elections were marked by the notable absence of the anticipated involvement of young individuals. Instead of the anticipated vibrant and youthful engagement, the electoral landscape was predominantly shaped by an older demographic.