SJB nominates Mujibur as MP despite request to appoint a female representative in place of Diana

● The WPC said in the letter that women’s representation in Parliament is crucial

In a letter to the SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, the WPC said while they respect the decision of the Supreme Court, yet deeply regret losing a member of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus and the reduction of women’s representation in the House.

The WPC said in the letter that women’s representation in Parliament is crucial for effective democracy as experience, knowledge and the forward vision of the women contribute to drafting policies that are beneficial to all members in society. However, SJB is of the opinion it should accommodate Mr. Rahman as he lost his seat because of the party’s decision to field him as the mayoral candidate for the local government election which was to be held this year and was cancelled. He was sworn in as an MP before the Speaker last morning.

The women’s representation has declined to 10 from 11 with the exit of Gamage and the decision of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to appoint Mujibur Rahman from the national list in place of Ms. Gamage. The remaining ten women MPS in Parliament include Geetha Kumarasinghe, Harini Amarasuriya, Kokila Gunawardene, Muditha Prishanthi, Pavithradevi Wanniarachchi, Sudarshini Fernandopulle, Rohini Kaviratne, Rajika Wickramasinghe, Thalatha Athukorala and Seetha Arambepola.