Forty-Three Political Parties Agree to 25 Per Cent Written Quota for Women and Youth Representation
28-May-2026.
Representatives of opposition political parties jointly stated that 43 political parties have agreed in writing to provide a 25 per cent quota for women and youth representation at the nomination stage in order to facilitate the early conduct of Provincial Council elections under the old electoral system.
They also condemned the statement made by JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva that Provincial Council elections could not be held this year and may possibly be conducted next year.
Representatives of the people-oriented joint opposition held a special media briefing in Colombo on May 27 focusing on Provincial Council elections and made the above remarks.
Leaders, secretaries and representatives from several political parties, including the United National Party, Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi, Sri Lanka Freedom Party, United People’s Front, Sarvajana Balaya, New People’s Front, Arunalu People’s Party, National Labour Front, People’s Service Party, National Democratic Front, Deshapaththu Jana Balaya, National Liberation People’s Party, Tamil United Front, Lanka Sama Samaja Party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya, United People’s Freedom Alliance, Muslim Left Front, Podujana United Party, Nava Lanka Freedom Party, Sri Lanka People’s Power, Ceylon Workers’ Congress and National Unity Alliance participated in the event.
The representatives stressed that Provincial Council elections, which form a key component of the Constitution, should be conducted without delay.
They reiterated that all 43 political parties had provided written consent to allocate a 25 per cent quota for women and youth representation at the nomination stage to facilitate the conduct of elections under the previous electoral system.
Representatives also stated that they would work together based on a common policy during the Provincial Council elections.
They further urged the government to conduct Provincial Council elections promptly in line with promises made by the National People’s Power during the presidential and general elections, adding that they would extend unconditional support to any constructive decision taken by the government to hold the polls.
