Beyond gender, structural reform discussions aim to shift from a unicameral legislature to a bicameral one – a vision that most parties accept in principle.
Meanwhile, the de facto authorities have conveyed grievances around frozen assets, sanctions, non-recognition, the need for greater development assistance, and an end to aid dependency.
The commission called for enforcement of the existing rule mandating 33 per cent women’s representation in political parties under the Representation of the People Order. It also proposed institutional reforms within parties to address corruption and create enabling environments for women.
To ensure ethical standards and accountability in media reporting, the commission advocates for the creation of an independent regulatory body. This entity would oversee media practices, addressing issues such as misinformation and unethical journalism.
Sri Lanka’s history of economic instability, marked by multiple currency collapses and inflation crises, has been exacerbated by excessive monetary stimulus and fiscal mismanagement.
In the past five years, 88 per cent of countries have passed laws to eliminate violence against women and girls. 44 per cent are working towards improving the quality of education and training. More girls are now attending secondary and tertiary education compared to boys.
A central concern of the report is India's underutilized demographic dividend. Despite having a large working-age population, the country's labor force participation rate stands at a mere 56.4 percent, significantly lower than its peers.
Sri Lanka continues to grapple with the legacies of structural poverty even as the nation navigates a fragile economic recovery from the devastating 2022 crisis.