
Despite the current social and economic challenges faced by Sri Lanka, its women continue to exhibit strength and resilience, said State Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Geetha Kumarasinghe.
The State Minister was speaking at a media briefing in Colombo on Tuesday to launch the International Women’s Day celebration event to be held on March 8 at Water’s Edge, Battaramulla.
“While Sri Lankan women have made significant strides in areas such as education and healthcare, we recognise that some women’s rights are still being violated, and their image is being tarnished.
Therefore, the President has directed the ministry to prepare a long-term strategy to improve women’s economic conditions in Sri Lanka, which will be launched during the event,” she said.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the immense contributions of women to Sri Lanka’s development and believe that recognising them will serve as an inspiration to all women in the country,” Kumarasinghe said.
She said the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment policy is now under draft and the ministry is in the process of obtaining approval for three Acts in relation to it namely the Gender Equality Bill, Women Empowerment Bill and another Bill to formulate the National Commission on Women to implement its functions.
The Theme of the 2023 International Women’s Day Celebration is “She is the pride of the nation”.
The event will recognise 25 district-wise outstanding female entrepreneurs and award three exceptional women who have epitomised the grace and elegance of Sri Lankan women globally and locally. Kumarasinghe said gender equality and women’s empowerment policy will be presented to the President who will be the chief guest and it will be launched thereafter.
Women have contributed immensely to Sri Lanka’s development and recognising them will serve as an inspiration to all women in the country, said Secretary Ministry of Women, Child Affairs and Social Empowerment Yamuna Perera.
Director, Women’s Bureau of Sri Lanka, Champa Upasena said,
“No Government funds are being used for the event as we have received generous donations from external parties.”
Among the event’s highlights will be presenting awards to three exceptional women who have epitomised the grace and elegance of Sri Lankan women globally and locally.
The event will also recognise 25 district-wise outstanding female entrepreneurs and present them gifts and certificates.