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.