Lankan women lucky due to President and PM securing them proper recognition: Chandrani Bandara

Text and pictures by 

P.D De Silva

Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs Chandrani Bandara said women in Sri Lanka were lucky as both the country’s President and Prime Minister had given them due recognition in society. 

She made these remarks while addressing an International Women’s Day celebration in Matara yesterday.

“The 25% female representation at the forthcoming local government election is a big achievement. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has supported me in getting Cabinet approval for proposals made by my ministry,” she stated.

“In the past even the illiterate villagers treated women with respect and love as it was the woman who sweated to cook for and take care of her family and home. The role played by women has changed now and women have been empowered with the strength to surpass male domination in many fields, including in the Government. You should remember that it was Sri Lanka which elected the first woman Prime Minister in the world.

“This year’s theme for the celebration of International Women’s Day in Sri Lanka is ‘The one who sees the past, present and future is victorious in her efforts’.

The Minister of Law and Order and Southern Development Sagala Ratnayaka read the message sent by Prime Minister Wickremesinghe while Provincial Minister Chandima Rasaputhra read the message sent by President Maithripala Sirisena.

Former First Lady Hema Premadasa was the special guest at the event in Matara. Minister for Foreign Employment and Welfare Thalatha Atukorale, Deputy Minister for Sustainable Development and Wildlife Sumedha G. Jayasena, State Minister for City Planning and Water Supply Sudarshani Fernandopulle, Parliamentarians Hirunika Premachandra and Buddika Pathirana, Provincial Ministers

Weerasumana Weerasinghe and Chandima Rasaputhra and a large gathering of officials from the government and private sectors as well as NGOs attended the event.