Business
Advocata – Driving evidence based policy reforms that enhance women’s economic participation and empowerment
Advocata Institute held the “Women’s Policy Action Network” (WPAN) conference on the 29th of August, 2023, to put forward Advocata’s continuous and WPAN’s research on the gaps, barriers and potential solutions for further enhancing women’s economic empowerment in Sri Lanka.
The primary aim of the WPAN is to lobby for evidence-based policy reforms that support greater labour force participation of women, despite the societal burdens expected of them. The conference explored two of the most pressing barriers; the unpaid care work burden, and the lack of access to the digital economy.
The event consisted of representatives from civil society organizations, policymakers, and forward thinking leaders who generated strong advocacy conversations on solutions and implemented projects that support women participation in the workforce.
The project donor, represented by The Deputy Head of Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands said that, “Gender equality is the key to accelerate economic growth in any given scenario, even during an economic crisis, or should I say especially in an economic crisis. We believe that goes for the Netherlands, for Sri Lanka and all other countries.”
The first panel on social infrastructure for gender equality and empowerment was preceded by a research presentation carried out by Akhila Randeniya and Thathsarani Siriwardana on care work. It was highlighted here that 60% of women who don’t participate in the labor force cited “housework” as a reason. Childcare, elderly care and parental leave were identified as core issues under the umbrella of care work. It was estimated that by 2050 Sri Lanka’s old age dependency ratio will double and thus disproportionately affect women who bear the burden of unpaid care.
It was also stated that it would only cost the government Rs.5.9bn to cover maternity leave benefits, which amounted to 0.5% of 2021 tax revenue.
Recommendations were, for better monitoring and regulation of child and elderly care centers, and engaging the State to share the burden of maternity leave benefits instead of the employer particularly for the SME sector.
The panel, moderated by Niroshi Perera, consisted of Gayani de Alwis, Isuru Gunasekera, Dr.Ramani Gunatilaka and Rosy Senanayake. The panel reiterated the importance of standardisation of care centers as well as recognising part time and flexi work arrangements to help alleviate this gendered burden.
Research on “Unlocking Women’s Potential in the Digital Economy” was presented by Chantal Dassanayake and Thathsarani Siriwardana. The presentation highlighted four key barriers that impede women’s pursuit of digital entrepreneurship and economic empowerment: limited accessibility, expensive devices and internet access costs, low digital literacy, and inadequate digital payment systems in Sri Lanka.
The digital economy’s potential to enhance women’s participation is tied to its flexibility, multitasking, and revenue opportunities. It was stated that subpar digital infrastructure hampers women’s access. Sri Lanka’s internet costs are notably high compared to its neighbors. Despite a relatively high digital literacy rate of 57.2%, email usage remains low at only 17.8%. Additionally, internet usage doesn’t align with the digital literacy rate. The research further highlighted that lack of trust in digital payments serves as a significant barrier to the adoption of digital payment systems. The panel consisting of Chiranthi Cooray, Chadika Yahampath, Amira Gaffoor, Anishka De Zylva and moderated by Dr.Roshan Perera discussed issues faced by the modern women in the digital space. They spoke of educational and societal barriers that disincentivized women from engaging in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). There was also discussion about issues with digital payments and infrastructure.
The keynote speech, delivered by Lakmini Wijesundera, who shared her journey as a female entrepreneur in the digital space. She ended her speech with words of advice to females everywhere, “it’s all about believing in a dream, working towards it and achieving it.”
Advocata is an independent policy think tank based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. We conduct research, provide commentary and hold events to promote sound policy ideas compatible with a free society in Sri Lanka. Visit advocata.org for more information.
Watch the full discussion on Youtube and for more information visit www.advocata.org. Advocata spokespersons are available for live and pre-recorded broadcast interviews via 0740289818
CONTACT:
Akhila Randeniya
Research Assistant
Advocata Institute
Phone: +94 77 895 1491| Email: akhila@advocata.org
Global oil prices have risen after at least three ships were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran continues to launch strikes across the Middle East in response to ongoing attacks by the US and Israel.
Two vessels have been struck, and an “unknown projectile” was reported to have “exploded in very close proximity” to a third, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) said.
Iran has warned ships not to pass through the strait, which carries about 20% of the world’s oil and gas.
International shipping has almost come to a standstill at the strait’s entrance, with analysts warning that a prolonged conflict could push energy prices even higher.
In early trade in Asia on Monday, global oil prices jumped by more than 10% before those gains eased during the morning.
At 02:00 GMT, Brent crude was more than 4% higher at $76.16 (£56.53) a barrel, while US-traded oil was also up by around 4% at $69.67.
“The market isn’t panicking”, Saul Kavonic, head of energy research at MST Research told the BBC.
“There is more clarity that so far, oil transport and production infrastructure hasn’t been a primary target by any side,” he added.
“The market will be watching for signs that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz returns, which would see oil prices subside again.”
But some analysts have warned it could go over $100 in the event of a prolonged conflict.
On Sunday, the Opec+ group of oil producing nations – which includes Saudi Arabia and Russia – agreed to increase their output by 206,000 barrels a day to help cushion any price rises, but some experts doubt this would help much.
Edmund King, president of the AA, warned the disruption could drive up petrol prices around the world.
“The turmoil and bombing across the Middle East will surely be a catalyst to disrupt oil distribution globally, which will inevitably lead to price hikes,” he said.
“The magnitude and duration of pump price increases depends on how long the conflict goes on.”
The U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have reignited geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, stoking fears of a broader conflict that could disrupt critical energy supply routes – particularly the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply flows. Brent crude has already edged higher, and global oil markets warn prices could climb toward, or even exceed, US$80–100 a barrel if hostilities escalate.
Against this backdrop, an independent economic analyst told The Island that for Sri Lanka – a small, fuel-importing economy with limited domestic energy resources – the implications could be significant.
“Sri Lanka imports over 90% of its petroleum requirements, and any sustained rise in global crude prices would expand the annual import bill, placing renewed pressure on already tight foreign exchange reserves,” he said.
Even moderate spikes in oil prices, he noted, tend to filter quickly through the domestic economy. “Higher fuel costs translate into increased transport and production expenses, which feed into inflation and erode household purchasing power. Freight charges for essential goods – from food items to industrial inputs – would also rise.”
“The Middle East remains a key source of remittances and export demand,” the analyst explained. “A large share of Sri Lankan migrant workers are employed in Gulf economies, while regional markets absorb tea and other exports. Heightened instability could weaken remittance inflows and soften demand, further straining the balance of payments.”
When asked whether the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) might be compelled to shift policy in response, the analyst said the monetary authority faces a delicate balancing act.
“Rising import inflation stemming from higher global energy prices could push the Central Bank to maintain – or even tighten – its monetary policy stance in order to safeguard price stability and support the rupee. A firmer stance may be deemed necessary to anchor inflation expectations and preserve market confidence. The Central Bank is therefore likely to monitor inflation data closely in the coming weeks to assess whether energy-driven price pressures prove temporary or more entrenched,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Chairman S. Rajakaruna said that Sri Lanka’s fuel imports – sourced primarily from Singapore and India – reduce immediate exposure to supply disruptions directly linked to Middle Eastern routes. He also sought to allay public concerns, noting that the country currently maintains sufficient fuel stocks for approximately one month and that there need not be any queueing up by the public to hoard supplies.
However, the analyst cautioned that while physical supply may remain stable, global price pass-through effects are an unavoidable risk.
Meanwhile, Opposition politician Wimal Weerawansa said that official assurances of “one month’s stock” tend to unsettle the public, arguing that such statements evoke memories of past shortages and public distress.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
The Ministry of Education officially recognised LOLC Holdings PLC for its flagship humanitarian initiative, Divi Saviya, at a special ceremony held on 27th February 2026 in Battaramulla. The event marked the second time the Ministry has acknowledged the programme’s contribution to the nation’s education sector.
Group Managing Director/CEO Kapila Jayawardena presented a project update to Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, highlighting the rapid restoration of 200 schools under Phase 02 of ‘Obai, Mamai, Ape Ratai’. The schools were repaired and handed over within just 45 days, enabling students displaced by Cyclone Ditwah to safely resume learning.
Phase 02 follows a needs assessment that identified 200 damaged schools and 4,000 displaced families. Implemented with Divisional Secretariats and Disaster Management Centres, the Rs. 500 million programme has delivered Family Super Packs and school renovations across six districts.
Kapila Jayawardena stated, “It was a privilege to share these outcomes with the Prime Minister. This recognition reflects how private sector collaboration can complement government efforts during national challenges.” Plans are underway to fully rebuild select schools destroyed by the cyclone.
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