President Maithripala Sirisena, in a message released for International Women’s Day, said it was the objective of the government to further expand the steps taken to enhance women’s contribution in management and political decision-making.

‘It is our objective to further expand the steps taken by our government during the last two years to enhance women’s contribution in the management and political decision-making machinery, in order to empower the multiple roles of Sri Lankan women,’ the message read.

‘I expect the intervention and contribution of women’s organisations, women activists and all relevant parties in this regard.’

The full message is given below:

'We are unanimous in agreement that the sustainable existence of humankind depends on the strength of the empowered women. That is why the sustainable development goals of the United Nations organisation prioritise the plan to empower all women and female children within the next 15 years.

 Sri Lanka recognises motherhood as precious. However, that recognition does not provide sufficient protection to the entire feminine community. Therefore the government, in its endeavour to achieve sustainable development, has to implement a pragmatic programme to ensure the identity and protection of Sri Lankan women and give them an opportunity to engage in the development process.

It is a matter for satisfaction that the women in Sri Lanka, comprising more than half the population of Sri Lanka, have achieved development indicators to the level of the developed countries in the world. The Sri Lankan woman is ahead of her male counterpart in literacy and life expectancy. Today, the Sri Lankan women are taking the highest burden of our economy.

It is our objective to further expand the steps taken by our government during the last two years to enhance women’s contribution in the management and political decision-making machinery, in order to empower the multiple roles of Sri Lankan women. I expect the intervention and contribution of women’s organisations, women activists and all relevant parties in this regard.

 I wish the programmes on International Women’s Day which are organised under the theme ‘She Envisions Past, Present, Future – Victorious Through Efforts’, with the objective of establishing the respectful position of the Sri Lankan women, every success! I commend all of those who make relentless efforts to achieve the goals of International Women’s Day.'