Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that the government has a responsibility to ensure that the political, economic, and social rights of women are not limited to laws or official documents, but are actively realized in the everyday lives of all women in Sri Lanka.
She made these remarks as the Chief Guest at the National Celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, held on March 8 at the Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Auditorium. The event followed the theme, “The Pride of a Prosperous Country – She is the Nation’s Path Forward,” according to the Prime Minister’s Media Division.
Addressing the audience, the Prime Minister stated that the freedoms enjoyed today, including the right to education and political participation, were achieved through the historical struggles of women. She highlighted that International Women’s Day is not just about symbolic gestures, but about safeguarding women’s rights and creating an environment that enables every woman to build a better future.
Dr. Amarasuriya added that the products of women entrepreneurs should extend beyond local markets, and that the government is working to integrate women into the national economy. She also noted that the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus recently proposed a National Care Policy to recognize both paid and unpaid contributions made by women to their families and the broader economy.
The Prime Minister further stressed the responsibility of women to advocate for humanity in the face of global crises, encouraging them to unite with compassion and take the lead in promoting peace.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj noted that a new era has begun in which the efforts of women working abroad to strengthen the country’s foreign reserves will receive proper recognition. She also announced the implementation of a comprehensive support mechanism across ministries to assist women entrepreneurs, female heads of households, and women who have experienced violence.
During the event, the Prime Minister presented appreciation awards to 25 successful women entrepreneurs from across the island. The ceremony was attended by Sunil Handunneththi and Entrepreneurship Development”], Southern Province Governor Prof. Susiripala Manawadu Sri Lanka”], Deputy Ministers including Dr. Namal Sudarshana
