Youth To Lead, a youth advocacy group in Sri Lanka which has a special focus on promoting youth political participation, has submitted proposals to increase youth participation in politics to SJB MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar today. The Organisation’s Co-convenor Sachinda Dulanjana said it was a pleasure to handover their ideas and suggestions to increase youth political participation in Sri Lanka in both qualitative and quantitative aspects to MP Markar who has initiated the discussion of a 25% youth quota for candidacy in upcoming elections. “We would like to invite you all to join hands with us to make this a reality ! Youth To Lead,” he said. Youth To Lead Convening Committee Representatives Manuri Pabasari, Tharindu Ranawaka, Induwara Arthanayake and Bensley Mitchell also took part in the discussion. According to Co-conveners Sajini Wickramasinghe, Supun Wijerathna and Kaveen Muhandiramge, they have proposed that not less than 25 percent of total candidates nominated for local, provincial and parliamentary elections shall be youth between 18 and 35 years of age. The other proposed suggestions of the Organisation are; The composition of not less than 25 percent of youth nominations of total candidates to be not more than 50 percent male and 50 percent female. “Not less than 25 percent of the youth quota to include a percentage for the representation of differently-abled youth in respective electoral areas. “The ethnic composition of the respective electoral area to be given consideration when deciding the composition of candidates. “Establishing a transparent process based on measurable metrics to select candidates in parties when nominating candidates for local, provincial and parliamentary elections. “To review the current electoral system and campaign finances in Sri Lanka that is district-based to ensure greater equality amongst candidates from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.”