Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2022-11-21

Increasing the youth representation in Local Government Institutions

- Attention of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs has been focused on providing opportunity for youth representation in the decision making process. At present, Colombo District Parliamentarian, Hon. Premnath C. Dolawatte has submitted a Private Member's Bill to Parliament in that regard, and while extending the support for the said Bill, it has been found appropriate to increase the youth representation in Local Government Institutions with a view to creating an environment of which the upliftment of the whole youth community and their aspirations could be achieved. Accordingly, Cabinet approved in principle the proposal made by the Minister of Sports and Youth, to amend the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance making provisions for the appointment of youth representatives tantamount 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 selected according to the second nomination paper, while safeguarding the women's representation , in terms of the existing provisions of the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance.