The 84-year-old Sri Lanka Federation of University Women (SLFUW) under its President Colonel Dr. Udula Krishnaratne, ably supported by her team -celebrated International Women’s Day by giving true meaning to the UN theme ‘Accelerate Action’, a news release from SLFUW

It carried out a full day’s program for the benefit of women of all ages, from the ‘first day of birth’ of a baby girl, to women over 75 years, all coming within the category of the ‘underprivileged and disadvantaged’ in our society.

“The program was intended to promote education for girls from the primary to the tertiary levels, provide better sustenance to needy families and ease economic hardship, and help improve the overall health of women and girls,” states the President.

After the customary lighting of the oil lamp, National Anthem, two minutes’ silence, and a brief welcome address by President Dr. Krishnaratne, the day’s program began with the award of scholarships. The first awards were to women undergraduates from different faculties in the Universities of Colombo, Sri Jayawardanepura and Ruhuna.

It was followed by scholarships to bright pupils from schools in the Ampara, and Gampaha Districts. Monetary support was also provided for medical treatment to a Grade 4 child from the Kurunegala District, who is suffering from leukemia, the president said.

The visually impaired women invitees were also given cash donations. A ‘special needs’ child resident in the vicinity, and other residents on Kitulwatte Road and Rodney Street, were also given grocery packs and cash donations. One of the undergraduate awardees, and a visually impaired lady, sang songs to entertain the gathering, while refreshments were served to all.

The afternoon program began with a pre-arranged visit to Castle Street Maternity Hospital, where the first baby girl born that day, March 8, and her mother, received gift packs of essential items, and a cash donation.

 The final item for the day was a visit to Maithree Children’s Development Centre in Borella, which accomodates 24 destitute girls, aged seven to 18. The SLUFW President spoke to the children informally. Subsequently, an interactive session with an experienced lady psychologist made them talk and sing and enjoy themselves. Gift packs were presented to all the children, and evening tea provided as well, Krishnaratne concluded.