Abstract

Women’s political leadership is a vital component of democratic governance, inclusivity, and sustainable development. Despite Sri Lanka's historical legacy of electing the world's first female Prime Minister, women's representation in political leadership has remained significantly low for a long period. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the progress made in women’s political leadership in Sri Lanka and the persistent barriers they face.

Based on secondary data, policy reports, and recent election results, this paper analyzes representation trends, quota systems, and socio-cultural constraints. Specifically, the 25% quota introduced in the 2018 Local Government elections and the significant shifts in the 2024 Parliamentary elections have increased women's participation. However, structural barriers within political parties, patriarchal mindsets, and economic constraints remain ongoing challenges. This study argues that mere numerical representation is insufficient; rather, empowered and meaningful leadership is what brings about true change. Furthermore, the study explores in detail the impact of the recently enacted Women’s Empowerment Act, No. 37 of 2024.

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Author Biography

  • Florida Simeon, Lecturer (Prob.) Department of Social Sciences Faculty of Arts and Culture Eastern University, Sri Lanka Sri Lanka.

    புளோரிடா சிமியோன், விரிவுரையாளர், சமூக விஞ்ஞானங்கள் துறை, கலை கலாசார பீடம், கிழக்கு பல்கலைக்கழகம், இலங்கை.

    Florida Simeon*, Lecturer (Prob.) Department of Social Sciences Faculty of Arts and Culture Eastern University, Sri Lanka Sri Lanka.

    Email: floridasimeon18@gmail.com

    *Correspondence: floridas@esn.ac.lk.

References

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How to Cite

அரசியல் தலைமைத்துவத்தில் பெண்கள்: முன்னேற்றமும் தடைகளும் - இலங்கையை அடிப்படையாகக் கொண்ட ஓர் ஆய்வு: Women in Political Leadership: Progress and Barriers - A Study Based on Sri Lanka. (2026). Tamilmanam International Research Journal of Tamil Studies, 7(05), 1705-1716. https://tamilmanam.in/journal/index.php/issue/article/view/437
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