Sri Lanka must lead with humanity: President

• Women, children to be central to national policy

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the Government's vision is to build a Sri Lanka that will be recognised by the world as a nation that places humanity above all else.

Addressing the International Women’s Day celebration held in Colombo yesterday (8), the President said that Sri Lanka intends to send a clear message to the international community that the country will stand at the forefront of humanity, especially during times of global conflict and war.

He said that although many countries may be economically advanced, Sri Lanka, despite its economic challenges, aims to establish a global reputation as a society built on compassion, empathy and humanity.

President Dissanayake also said that women and children will occupy a central place in national policy as the Government works towards building a state that treats all citizens equally and with compassion.

Speaking at the event, the President thanked the women of the National People’s Power (NPP) for the role they played in bringing the current Government to power. “I believe those who gathered here today performed a remarkable task when this Government was formed. This is also the first occasion in recent history where such a large number of women have come together in one place.”

He added the level of support shown by women is one of the clearest indicators of public confidence in a Government. “The presence of thousands of women here today is a powerful symbol of the trust placed in this administration."

President Dissanayake said the Government’s broader mission is to create a hopeful future for women who have long carried heavy emotional and social burdens. “Our plans for the country’s future include specific attention to the problems women face simply because they are women. Only by addressing these issues can we uplift the entire nation.”

The President also raised concerns about the growing drug crisis in the country, noting that narcotics were increasingly affecting young people and causing deep anxiety among mothers. He said that the Government had launched a continuous nationwide programme aimed at eradicating drug abuse.

Education was another key issue highlighted in the President’s speech. He noted that the greatest aspiration of most mothers is to ensure their children receive a good education and said that the Government intends to reduce the burden on families in relation to schooling. Major education reforms are expected to be introduced from Grade Six next year, he said, with the aim of creating an education system that nurtures both academic ability and social responsibility.

The President also announced a policy proposal aimed at empowering women economically. Under the proposed scheme, women who lack property or assets required as loan collateral will receive government guarantees for loans. If borrowers are unable to repay the loans, the state will intervene and settle them, he said.

President Dissanayake also pointed to the severe impact of high-interest microfinance loans, noting that in some rural communities women had lost their lives due to the pressure of debt. To address the issue, he said that the Government plans to introduce new legislation to protect women from such debt traps while also launching a concessional loan programme that will provide women with affordable financial support.

In her message marking Women's Day, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya highlighted this year’s United Nations theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” and underscored the need to realise women’s rights and create greater opportunities for their advancement.

She noted that women remain a key pillar of Sri Lankan society and the economy, adding that the Government’s policy framework, “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life,” aims to recognise women not merely as beneficiaries but as active partners in national development.

Dr. Amarasuriya said that the Government is focusing on promoting women’s entrepreneurship, supporting self-employment through technical and financial assistance, improving safety in public transport and workplaces, and increasing women’s representation in decision-making bodies.

Source - The Morning