Former SJB member of the Maharagama Urban Council, Nelum Renuka Senaratne, last Thursday urged all women to vote for SJB Presidential candidate and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, citing his strong commitment to addressing women’s issues through legal and policy reforms compared to other leading candidates.

Speaking at a Samagi Vanitha rally in Maharagama, Senaratne highlighted that Premadasa’s manifesto offers a more specific plan than those of the other candidates. She noted Premadasa’s promise to enhance the existing Women’s and Children’s Desks at police stations and establish a presidential task force dedicated to women’s issues.

Premadasa has pledged to introduce legal reforms, including a quota of 25 percent female representation in Parliament, provincial councils, and local government institutions, as well as ensuring women and youth representation in all elected bodies. Additionally, he proposes that the government cover the cost of maternity leave, which would alleviate the financial burden on employers and encourage the hiring of women.

He also plans to support entrepreneurs in establishing daycare centers in every Grama Niladhari division and providing financial incentives. Premadasa suggests that the government should further support the establishment of daycare centers in both public and private institutions, which would help more women enter and remain in the workforce.

“I call on women to compare the manifestos and see that only Sajith Premadasa has thoroughly addressed the problems facing women. Therefore, we must vote for him,” Senaratne said.