Sri Lanka first to produce a female PM

• Despite continuous efforts, including those in Sri Lanka, women’s representation in elected bodies remains unsatisfactory

 Whilst Highlighting that Sri Lankan granted women the right to vote at the same time as men and was first to produce a female Prime Minister. Incumbent Premier Dinesh Gunawardene stressed the need for strengthening gender equality in local bodies.   

The Prime Minister said this at the South Asia Regional meeting of Commonwealth Women in Local Government Network (ComWLG and Federation of Sri Lankan Local Government Authorities (FSLGA) held in Ratmalana Addressing the large crowd of international guests, the Prime Minister stated –  

 “It is a matter of continuous, agitation, continuous influence and continuous change, that all of us, especially these organisations could deliver through all governments across the world, the women to demand the right to share the responsibilities of political representation. I commend the collective commitment to strengthening gender equality within local government institutions. 

Despite continuous efforts, including those in Sri Lanka, women’s representation in elected bodies remains unsatisfactory.  

 Recognizing the need to further increasing women’s representation, the Parliamentary Special Committee in Electoral reform which I chaired a few years ago, brought about the 25% reservation for women and also for youth in elected bodies. In 2018, we introduced this quota system which we believe needs further expansion. Although there is consensus among political parties, necessary constitutional amendments are still pending. As the Prime Minister and the Minister of local government, these are issues, that all of us face. A simple majority can pass legislation. A reserve majority of two thirds approval also could pass legislation but constitutionally in our country a Supreme Court declares a necessity of a referendum… “  

 “Amidst the difficult economic and monetary crisis Sri Lanka was going through, virtual collapse of economy 20 months ago, we have come a long way and come back to political stability and economic stability. We hope by the end of the year we will be able to hold the local government elections, bear local representations and especially gender representation would take the cause further on this platform. Sri Lanka has been a positive contributor in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in relation to gender. And other related areas too. As the chairperson just mentioned, long years ago, UN declared that food, clothing and shelter is an essential right of every human being. Have we reached this place? No, all over the world many societies still struggle to reach this…. Sri Lanka can take pride in its history of gender equality. Our women were granted the right to vote at the same time as men when universal adult franchise was introduced in 1931. Moreover, Sri Lanka was the first nation to produce a female Prime Minister and has long been a pioneer in offering women voting rights, leadership opportunities, and equal pay…” he also said.   

Despite continuous efforts, including those in Sri Lanka, women’s representation in elected bodies remains unsatisfactory.  

 Recognizing the need to further increasing women’s representation, the Parliamentary Special Committee in Electoral reform which I chaired a few years ago, brought about the 25% reservation for women and also for youth in elected bodies. In 2018, we introduced this quota system which we believe needs further expansion. Although there is consensus among political parties, necessary constitutional amendments are still pending. As the Prime Minister and the Minister of local government, these are issues, that all of us face. A simple majority can pass legislation. A reserve majority of two thirds approval also could pass legislation but constitutionally in our country a Supreme Court declares a necessity of a referendum… “  

 “Amidst the difficult economic and monetary crisis Sri Lanka was going through, virtual collapse of economy 20 months ago, we have come a long way and come back to political stability and economic stability. We hope by the end of the year we will be able to hold the local government elections.