Sri Lanka to increase youth numbers in LG bodies

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Cabinet has granted approval to amend the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance to increase youth representation at Local Government Institutions.

Acting Cabinet Spokesperson Shantha Bandara told reporters that Colombo District MP Premanath C. Dolawatte presented a Private Members Bill on the matter to parliament.

The Government Information Department in a statement said that the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs has focused on providing opportunities for youth representation in the decision-making process. 

It has been recognized that it is desirable to increase the representation of youth in local government bodies with the aim of creating an environment where the entire youth community’s advancement and their aspirations can be achieved, it added.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted policy approval for the proposal presented by the Minister of Youth Affairs to amend the Provincial Council Elections Ordinance by making provision for the appointment of youth with regard to not less than 25% of the number of members to be elected according to the first nomination paper and not less than 25% of the number of members to be elected according to the second nomination paper in such a way as to preserve women's representation as per the existing provisions of the Provincial Council Elections Ordinance.