Activists urge new president to prioritize inclusivity in governance

Request his party to nominate at least 50% women to parliamentary seats in upcoming elections

Gender
By Editor_1
Sri Lanka's newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reads a document after being sworn in as president at the Presidential Secretariat, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Monday (September 23, 2024) - Sri Lanka President Media/Handout via REUTERS/File

COLOMBO – Over 330 women and men actively involved in politics or advocating for women’s political participation, along with 26 civil society organizations, have in a letter addressed to the newly elected president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake,  urged the National People’s Power (NPP) leadership to prioritize inclusivity in governance by nominating at least 50% women for parliamentary seats in the upcoming elections.  They have highlighted the significance of appointing Dr Harini Amarasuriya as Prime Minister and the vital role of women’s representation in politics.

Calling for the fostering of a new political culture free from discrimination, corruption, and violence, the signatories have also emphasized the importance of addressing the grievances of marginalized communities and expediting the constitutional drafting process.

The letter in full:

Dear President Dissanayake,

On behalf of the signatories below, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to you on your election as the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka. We applaud the trend set by the NPP, other political parties and the Election Commission for free, fair, and peaceful elections. We appreciate the simplicity adopted by the NPP in its post-election endeavours, particularly avoiding extravagant victory celebrations or humiliating competitors.

We commend your party for appointing Dr Harini Amarasuriya as Prime Minister. This significant milestone marks her as the third woman to hold this esteemed position in Sri Lanka’s history, breaking the notion that South Asian women enter politics solely through family dynasties.

Dr Amarasuriya is an inspiration, demonstrating that running for higher office is possible for all of us. Her leadership brings hope for access to justice, equality, and inclusive governance, paving the way for a brighter future for all.

 

We hope her prominent leadership role extends beyond the caretaker government, continuing even after the parliamentary elections. Furthermore, we believe that your achievements will inspire countless young women and men across the nation from all communities, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with confidence.

In this context, we request that you consider involving as many women as possible in politics as you work towards establishing a new political culture free from corruption, patronage, and violence while promoting inclusivity.

With the parliamentary elections scheduled to be held on November 14, we are anticipating seeing a strong example set under your leadership by nominating at least 50% women for parliamentary seats and leadership positions, including within party structures where women participate in decision-making as organizers and spokespersons.

We acknowledge the immense challenges ahead in realizing the economic, political, and social reforms that the people of Sri Lanka seek and vote for. However, without the full participation of half the population in decision-making processes, these reforms may fall short of their potential impact.

The ongoing economic crisis, coupled with deep-rooted corruption, has fostered a strong demand for systemic change. Central to this transformation is the equal involvement of women in governance and legislative processes. Yet, traditional barriers and conflict-related disparities continue to prevent many women, particularly those from minority communities, from entering politics.

Dr Harini Amarasuriya has long been a champion of these issues, and we are hopeful that, with her support, you can lay the foundation for greater representation aiming for over 50% of decision-making roles in government to be held by women as a starting point.

We respectfully highlight the importance of the two significant upcoming elections and urge you to prioritize local and provincial elections as soon as possible. This aligns with your manifesto, particularly in terms of equitable treatment of minorities, empowering them to manage their resources, and establishing the accountability frameworks they have been seeking for over 15 years.

As you are aware, the provincial and local election laws mandate a 25% quota for women. We appeal to you to prioritize this matter and ensure that women, youth, and other marginalized groups receive their rightful representation in these elections. We urge you to act swiftly once the new parliament is in place.

We are hopeful that your administration will take decisive action to address the long-standing grievances of Tamil-speaking communities, ensuring that all citizens feel equal, valued and respected in their own country.

The NPP manifesto’s commitment to expediting the constitutional drafting process initiated during the Yahapalanaya government is vital. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who was a member of the Public Representations Committee on Constitutional Reform, has firsthand knowledge of the aspirations of women, especially minority women, for a new Sri Lanka, making it essential to continue with the existing draft. Wishing you success in your important endeavours.

Signatories to the Letter -over 330 women and men actively involved in politics or advocating for women’s political participation, 26 civil society organizations

Signatories to the Letter

-ENCL

Editor_1
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