Retired Ambassador Grace Asirwatham has been appointed Chairperson of the National Commission on Women by the President on the recommendation of the Constitutional Council.
The Commission was established under the Women Empowerment Act No. 37 of 2024 to promote, protect and advance women’s rights and gender equality in Sri Lanka, including investigating violations or potential violations of those rights.
Since its establishment in September 2025, the Commission has been working to develop its institutional framework, administrative systems, infrastructure and operational mechanisms to ensure effective functioning.
Grace Asirwatham brings extensive diplomatic experience to the role, having served as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Nepal, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg, as well as Head of Mission to the European Union and Deputy Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
She will work alongside fellow commissioners and Executive Director K.D.R. Olga to guide the Commission towards full operational readiness and strengthen efforts to advance women’s rights and empowerment across Sri Lanka.
