Independent election monitor Pratigya Bashyal has penned an open letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, urging his administration to take decisive steps towards gender equity and political inclusion in Sri Lanka.
Drawing from her experience as a long-term international election observer, Bashyal reflects on the resilience of underrepresented communities—particularly the forgotten fishing village of Pookkulam—and the systemic barriers preventing women from actively participating in politics.
Her letter highlights the stark gender disparity in Sri Lankan politics, despite recent progress, and calls for concrete action to empower women beyond token representation. She also recounts witnessing first-hand the deep trust placed in the new Government by voters in some of the country’s most neglected areas.
With Sri Lanka at a pivotal moment in its democratic journey, Bashyal’s appeal serves as a reminder that true democracy must include all voices, not just those in power.
The full text of her letter is as follows:
“Mr. President, Will Sri Lanka’s Democracy Truly Include Its Women and Forgotten Communities?”
Honourable President,
Greetings!
During my tenure as a long-term international election observer in Sri Lanka, I was deployed to two electoral districts—Puttalam and Anuradhapura, the latter being your hometown. My observations took me from the remote fishing villages of Puttalam to the very heart of Anuradhapura, where I had the rare opportunity to witness the closing process at your former school and even visit your residence. Expecting a grand, heavily guarded estate, I was instead met with a simple, unassuming home, one that reflected humility rather than power. The contrast was striking, and it left a lasting impression on me.
It was during my initial days of observation that I first set foot in one small fishing village, Pookkulam, a remote village in the Puttalam District and the experience has since left an indelible mark.
Pookkulam is a place of resilience, where its people have endured displacement, economic hardship, and isolation. The village’s only school is closed, its church lies empty, and there is no proper drinking water facility nor a single toilet. Voter literacy programs have never been conducted here, nor has any NGO or INGO ever set foot in the village to educate its people about their electoral rights. Yet, despite these hardships, the unwavering determination of the villagers to exercise their right to vote was remarkable.
Even with little to no knowledge of the candidates, they turn out in large numbers, placing their trust in democracy and, most notably, in you and your party, the National People’s Power (NPP). Their faith in your leadership is not built on political promises but rather on a desperate yearning for change, a hope that moved me to tears.
The resilience of Pookkulam reminds me of the unwavering commitment of election officials who ensure that every citizen’s vote counts, no matter how remote the location. Just as election officers in Nepal mountainous regions braved extreme conditions to reach voters, Sri Lankan officials navigated the dense Wilpattu jungle to bring ballot boxes to Pookkulam.
On election day, about 20 officials, including officers from the Navy, Police, and the Forest Department, undertook this journey to set up a polling station in the village’s church. Their dedication was met with equal resolve from the villagers. Eighty of them cast their votes, reaffirming their faith in democracy. No politician has recently visited Pookkulam, yet these villagers understand the significance of voting. It is not just a civic duty but a rare opportunity to affirm their identity and citizenship, proving that democracy thrives even in the most forgotten corners of our nations.
Throughout my 21 days of observation, I had the opportunity to witness the electoral process unfold from pre-election preparations to election day and its aftermath. I interviewed numerous stakeholders, visited Government offices, and spoke to the candidates. What troubled me deeply, however, was the sheer underrepresentation of women in politics.
Every time I entered a Government office, I was happy to see a remarkable number of women working in administrative roles. Yet, when I sought to meet female political candidates, I found a handful. When I asked former parliamentarians about this glaring disparity, the response I often received was that women themselves showed little interest in politics.
This explanation did not sit well with me. During my visit to the Muslim Women Development Trust in Puttalam, I met several Muslim women eager to participate in politics, but their aspirations were choke by social, religious and cultural barriers. Some even confided in me that they had been threatened not to partake in political rallies or campaigns. Even more alarming was the case I observed at the Election Commission office in Puttalam, where two women filed complaints against a political party for using their names as candidates without their consent merely to give the illusion of inclusivity.
During my time in Sri Lanka, I also noticed a significant presence of bhikkhus actively engaging in politics. Their involvement was visible in campaigns, rallies, and even decision-making roles. However, I barely saw any bhikkhuni participating in politics. This utter contrast further reflects the deep-rooted gender disparities in political representation, even within religious communities.
Sri Lanka, like many nations, stands at a crossroads. The last parliamentary and Presidential elections were critical moments in the country’s history, as people sought leaders who could steer them out of crisis. In these elections, I saw a palpable sense of hope among the public- hope that your Government and your leadership would bring about real change.
Encouragingly, the 2024 elections marked a historic shift. The proportion of women in Parliament, though still low, saw an improvement from 5.3 percent to 10.7 percent. The election of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, the first woman to hold the position since 1994, was a significant milestone.
However, these numbers alone do not signify true progress. I observed that women in Sri Lankan politics continue to face immense challenges. Many are nominated not because of their leadership potential but due to their familial ties to male politicians. Even with the 25 percent quota in local councils, women have struggled to wield genuine decision-making power.
If Sri Lanka is to move forward, it must not leave its women behind. Representation should not be symbolic, it must be substantive. Women should not have to fight merely to be seen; they should have an equal seat at the decision-making table.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I urge your Government to take bold steps towards gender equity in politics – Establishing programs that educate women on political leadership, ensuring their safety in political spaces, and enforcing strict consequences for those who intimidate or threaten female candidates.
The resilience of the people of Pookkulam, the courage of the women I met in Puttalam, and the blind trust the people have placed in your leadership that I observed in Anuradhapura should not be overlooked. Their voices must be heard, and their representation must be more than a mere statistic.
I had the honour of meeting you in person in Anuradhapura. I was struck by your simplicity and the minimal security around you, which made you remarkably approachable. It was a rare and refreshing sight to see a leader so close to the people. I hope this same spirit of humility and connection translates into concrete actions that empower the women of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka has the potential to be a beacon of democracy in South Asia. But true democracy is incomplete without the full and equal participation of women.
Sincerely,
Pratigya Bashyal
Long-Term International Election Observer, Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL)
The observations, experiences, and stories shared in this article represent the writer’s personal views and reflections as an election observer. They are not intended to represent the official stance or opinions of the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) or any other associated organisation.
