President says steps will be taken to win women’s rights

• Suggests Sri Lanka should take the lead in winning the rights of women in the Asian region
• Highlights three women who were instrumental in helping Sri Lanka during  troubled period

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said steps will be taken to win women’s rights on par with developed countries of the world.

Speaking at the International Women’s Day celebration, the President said compared to other countries in the region, Sri Lankan women are ahead and that situation will be expanded further and work will be done to win women’s rights like in the developed countries of the world.

The President highlighted that the ‘National Policy on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment’, as well as the ‘National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security’, will aid in achieving this goal. The progress made over several years of hard work will be unveiled on International Women’s Day, which will be a significant milestone for women in the country.

The President highlighted that the SAARC organisation does not have any specific provisions related to women’s rights. To address this gap, Sri Lanka will be hosting a meeting of leading women activists from SAARC countries this year to advocate for the inclusion of women’s rights within the organisation’s framework. Sri Lanka will take a leadership role in championing the rights of women in the Asian region, and are committed to working towards achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment in all areas.

President also said when reflecting upon those who contributed to freeing the people from the sufferings experienced during the past, it was important to mention the names of three women who played a significant role. He named the trio as India Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.

The Ministry of Women, Child Affairs, and Social Empowerment organised the event under the theme “She is the pride of the Nation”.

During the event, State Minister of Women and Child Affairs Geetha Kumarasinghe presented the National Policy on Social Equality and Women’s Empowerment, as well as the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, to the President.

At the event President Ranil Wickremesinghe awarded honours to strong and accomplished female characters on International Women’s Day, 2023. Awards were presented to Dr. Sujatha Aththanayaka, Kalasuri Sriyani Amarasena, Rashmi Nimesha Gunawardena, and Anula de Silva. Certificates were given to the top 25 female entrepreneurs chosen at district level with the intervention of Sri Lanka Women’s Bureau.