Where are the young candidates?
by Husna Inayathullah
If the wisdom of experience is a valuable tool for candidate
selection, so is the exuberance of youth. There are several youth
candidates contesting the August 17 polls, bringing with them a fresh
outlook, professional touch and new vigour. But how many parties have
fielded candidates who are under the age of 40. We explore
Democratic Party: According Coordinator of the Democratic Party, Gaya
Basnayake, there about 14 candidates below the age of 40 contesting the
August 17 polls. They are young degree holders and practicing lawyers
and have been selected on the basis of education and professional
qualifications.
JHU: The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) does not have any candidates
under the age of 40. The group leader, Ajith Perera said there are no
young candidates to contest in their party because there is no young
candidate qualified enough to contest.
JVP: According to the Propaganda Secretary of the Janatha Vimukthi
Peramuna (JVP), Vijitha Herath, the JVP many young candidates, most of
them graduates. He said they were selected on the basis that they agree
with the party rules and principles. "We must give an opportunity for
the youngsters who are the emerging leaders. They are the ones who are
responsible to create a beautiful society, develop the country and take
it forward," he explained.
SLMC: According to the Media Spokesman for the Sri Lanka Muslim
Congress (SLMC), Aslam Mohammed there are no candidates below the age of
40 from the SLMC. |