An awareness programme on the significance of increasing women’s representation in politics was recently organized for women in the North, It was jointly organized by the Political Representation for Women Campaign and the Human Resources Development Centre. Over one thousand women from various parts of the northern peninsula participated. The meeting was held at the Weerasinghan Hall in Jaffna.

Several prominent women leaders and women who currently represent Provincial Councils and local government authorities in the South addressed the gathering emphasising the need for increasing the women’s representation in such bodies. Their experiences and services rendered through their organizations were highly appreciated by the participants. A Jaffna university student stated that they were glad to meet a group of women who have the ability to inspire the younger generation with their commitment and dedication. They were convinced that local government authorities will be able to deliver more meaningful services to the society if the female representation is increased.

Member of the Western Provincial Council Ashoka Lankatilake, Chairperson of the Embilipitiya Urban Council Padmini Weerasinghe and members of several local government authorities in the country, Chandrika de Zoysa, U G Balamenike and Anuruddhika Dissanayake shared their experiences with the participants. Mrs. Dulcie de Silva of Sri Lanka Mahajana Party and Dr. Sujata Gamage of the ‘Political Representation for Women Campaign’ addressed the gathering.

The delegation from the South met Minister of Jaffna Development and Leader of the EPDP Douglas Devananda in his office in Jaffna. The Minister ensured his fullest cooperation and that of his party for increasing women’s representation in politics and stated that in his view, the nomination lists for local government bodies should ensure 50% women representation.

The Minister was somewhat sceptical about the new amendments that are being introduced to the Local Government Election Ordinance as there was a possibility of Minority communities being discriminated. The Political Representation for Women Campaign pledged its support to help carry out astudy to ascertain whether this scepticism is well founded.

The discussion with Minister Devananda was the third in the series of discussions, the organisation is holding with Tamil political leaders on subjects pertaining to increase in women’s representation in political bodies. The first was held in Trincomalee with the Chief Minister of the Eastern Province Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan and that was followed by a discussion with Batticoloa Mayor Sivageetha Prabhakan.

The Political Representation for Women has already held discussions with political leaders in the South including Tissa Attanayake, General Secretary of the United National Party.