President Calls for Greater Recognition of Women’s Role in National Development on International Women’s Day

Marking International Women’s Day, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake underscored the crucial role women continue to play in shaping Sri Lanka’s economic, political, social and cultural progress, stressing that their contributions should be valued throughout the year rather than recognised on a single occasion.

In a message issued to coincide with the global observance on March 08, the President noted that the day offers an opportunity to reflect on the rights, freedoms and security of women while also acknowledging the responsibilities they shoulder in various sectors of national life.

Highlighting the demographic reality that women account for approximately 52 per cent of Sri Lanka’s population, he said their impact on the national economy remains substantial. Beyond their often unrecognised role within households, women serve as a backbone of key industries including garment manufacturing, plantations, overseas employment, healthcare, education and the broader services sector.

The President also expressed appreciation for the perseverance and commitment demonstrated by Sri Lankan women, pointing out that their efforts were instrumental in supporting the country’s economic recovery and progress during 2025.

He further stated that the Government is continuing efforts to advance gender equality and safeguard women’s rights, while addressing persistent issues such as violence, discrimination and unequal opportunities in workplaces, communities and public spaces.

Referring to recent political developments, the President observed that the current Parliament includes the largest number of female representatives in Sri Lanka’s history. He also described the election of the first female Member of Parliament from the Malayagam community as a landmark moment for representation and inclusion.

Looking ahead, President Dissanayake emphasised the importance of expanding opportunities for women in emerging sectors, particularly through entrepreneurship linked to the digital and green economies. Encouraging women to take on leadership roles in the country’s evolving economic landscape, he said empowering women would be vital to Sri Lanka’s long-term development.

Commending this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “In a Thriving Nation – She Leads with Determination”, the President called on women across the country to actively participate in building a more progressive, equitable and forward-looking society.

Full Statement:

‘‘International Women’s Day has been celebrated annually across the world on 8 March for over a century. In Sri Lanka, the role of women in the economic, political, social and cultural spheres is distinctive and significant. While this day serves to recognise and appreciate the immense responsibilities borne by women across all these sectors, and to reflect in particular on women’s rights, freedom and security, I believe that such recognition cannot be confined to a single day.

It is no secret that women, who represent 52 per cent of our country’s population, play a substantial role in the national economy. In addition to their unpaid contribution as homemakers, women make a considerable contribution to the garment industry, the plantation sector, foreign employment, as well as to the health, education and service sectors. I wish to acknowledge with gratitude the strength and commitment demonstrated by women, which contributed significantly to the many economic achievements our country attained in 2025.

In pursuit of social justice, we are already implementing plans to ensure gender equality and to enable women to participate more actively and productively in the economic process. As a Government, we have prioritised the structural changes necessary to secure and promote women’s rights and to act against all forms of violence and discrimination faced by women, at home, in public transport, within communities, in the workplace and on the political stage, while striving to realise the aspirations of a just society, a free nation and a liberated woman.

Marking a new chapter in parliamentary history, this Parliament includes the highest number of female Members of Parliament to date. Furthermore, for the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, a female Member of Parliament representing the Malayagam community has been elected, an important and historic milestone. I wish to emphasise that it is both our responsibility and our resolve to nurture a strong and dignified generation of women who will stand shoulder to shoulder in advancing the programme of economic, political and social transformation we have initiated. Expanding women’s entrepreneurship within a digital and green economy, and fostering women entrepreneurs capable of adapting to the country’s forthcoming economic transformation, remains a key objective of our Government.

In this context, I greatly appreciate the organisation of this year’s Women’s Day under the theme, ‘In a Thriving Nation – She Leads with Determination’, which proudly showcases the strength and dignity of Sri Lankan women to the world.

As we move forward with firm determination to free our society and nation from all adverse challenges, and to build a progressive country and a future generation grounded in ethics and compassion, I extend my warm wishes for a meaningful International Women’s Day and invite all women to join hands as strong partners and pioneers in this journey.”

source: Lankanewsweb