Women Are Not Objects of Sympathy but Equal Partners Deserving Rights and Respect – Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya
Colombo: Women, who form the true lifeblood of Sri Lankan society and the national economy, must not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of welfare or sympathy but as active partners in the country’s development who deserve dignity, rights and opportunities, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has said.
Issuing a special message to mark International Women’s Day 2026, the Prime Minister stressed that the government’s vision is to recognise the role of women not only within families but also as key contributors to national progress.
Highlighting the global theme declared by the United Nations for this year — “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls” — the Prime Minister noted that the role played by women within families and across society has today become a decisive factor shaping the future of nations.
Women at the Centre of National Development
Dr. Amarasuriya emphasised that the government’s policy framework titled “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life” gives special priority to the empowerment of women. According to her statement, the administration aims to recognise and value the economic contributions made by women, including those performed within the household.
She said the government plans to encourage women’s entrepreneurship while expanding access to technical knowledge, financial support and opportunities for self-employment.
The Prime Minister explained that such initiatives are designed to strengthen women’s economic independence and ensure that their contributions are properly recognised within the broader national economy.
Strengthening Safety and Representation
Dr. Amarasuriya also underscored the need to strengthen the legal framework to guarantee women’s safety in public transportation, workplaces and within families.
Ensuring the security and dignity of women in everyday life, she said, remains a key priority for the government.
Another major objective, she noted, is to increase female representation in decision-making institutions at every level—from national governance to local administrative bodies. Creating the necessary environment for women to participate actively in political and administrative leadership is essential for building an inclusive democracy, she added.
Women as Agents of Change
The Prime Minister rejected the notion that women should be regarded as a vulnerable group deserving only sympathy.
Instead, she described women as a dynamic social force enriched with intelligence, resilience and creativity.
“Our goal,” she said, “is to build a truly prosperous country where a woman can walk freely without fear or suspicion, where her talents receive the recognition they deserve, and where she can live a life of dignity and respect.”
A New Era for Sri Lankan Women
In her message marking International Women’s Day, Dr. Amarasuriya expressed hope that the occasion would mark the beginning of a new era in which the aspirations of Sri Lankan women are realised and their achievements proudly showcased to the world.
She concluded by extending her wishes to all women across Sri Lanka, expressing hope that the dreams and ambitions of Sri Lankan women will flourish in the years ahead.