Samagi Jana Balawegaya Parliamentarian Imthiaz Bakeer Markar has tabled a member’s private bill in Parliament, seeking to make it mandatory for youth candidates to be given a 25% quota for candidacy to run for office in any upcoming election in Sri Lanka.

"According to our demography, more than a quarter of the population are between ages 15-30. However, as a country, we do not have enough ‘young’ persons in the decision-making process, where decisions about their future are being made. This needs correction," the MP said on his official Twitter account.

"As a politician who entered politics through students' movements in the 70's UNP, I deem it a responsibility to ensure our next generation of youth have a meaningful participation in active political structures," he also added.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya Leader Sajith Premadasa has already signed a pledge with the party's youth movement to allocate a quota of 25% of nominations for youth candidates at upcoming elections. Premadasa has made it clear that the pledge will come into effect with the upcoming Provincial Council election.