Liya Abhiman celebrates International Women’s Day 

‘Let us protect women who protect the family’ was the 2013 theme of the programs launched island-wide marking International Women’s Day which fell on Friday, 8 March. In connection with it a commemorative event was held at the Monaragala Public Library Auditorium on 6 March 2013 under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and was attended by thousands of representatives of women’s organisations, including Liya Abhiman.

Liya Abhiman (Women’s Pride) organised a series of events in the Gampaha district in connection to this under the leadership of its chairperson Attorney Pushpa Rajapaksa.

53% of Sri Lanka’s population consists of women. In the educational sector, 80% of school teachers are women. At the pre-school and elementary school levels, the representation of women is 100%. 75% of university students are women. In addition, the majority of students doing higher studies too are women.

Under the direction of Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Liya Abhiman has launched a series of programs to raise the living standards of self-employed persons, the majority of whom are women. These programs have been launched in accordance with the Mahinda Chinthana vision, the objective of which is to economically strengthen women and their families.

In this connection, Liya Abhiman Chairperson Attorney Pushpa Rajapaksa has initiated a number of projects that include textile manufacture, ornamental flower making, traditional food production, beauty culture, handicrafts and sewing. Liya Abhiman has also made a major contribution to the improvement of maternal health.  

Among those who attended the event held at the Monaragala Public Library were Pushpa Rajapaksa, Chandra Rajapaksa, Southern Province Governor Kumari Balasuriya, Uva Chief Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sumedha G. Jayasena, Coconut Development Minister Jagath Pushpakumara, Child Development and Women’s Affairs Minister Tissa Karaliyedda and Minister of Power Pavithra Wanniarachchi.