March 11, Colombo (LNW): Nimal Punchihewa, the Commissioner General of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, has strongly advocated for a minimum of 25 per cent women representation in local government elections, underscoring its critical role in fostering good governance and a truly participatory democracy.
In a statement issued recently, Punchihewa highlighted the fact that women, who comprise more than half of Sri Lanka’s population, are still significantly underrepresented in decision-making positions.
He pointed out that this gender imbalance in governance needs to be addressed to ensure a more inclusive and effective political system.
“Achieving 25 per cent women representation at the local government level is crucial for bringing fresh perspectives to the table, improving decision-making processes, and enhancing the quality of governance,” he remarked, stressing that women’s voices must be heard in all spheres of public life.
Punchihewa also acknowledged the various hurdles women face when engaging in politics, noting that they often encounter unwelcome challenges and derogatory remarks from their male counterparts.
This, he suggested, creates barriers to their active participation and further discourages women from pursuing leadership roles.
In light of these challenges, the Commissioner General called for the implementation of legal measures to ensure women are provided with the necessary opportunities and support to contribute meaningfully to public life.
He pointed out that societal structures alone may not be enough to level the playing field, and that formal legal frameworks are required to guarantee equality and representation for women.
