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UN urges social protection for SL’s vulnerable women for post-Covid recovery

Published

5 years ago

2021/01/31

Sri Lankas high number of women-headed households are especially hit hard by Covid-19 particularly because women are losing their livelihoods faster than men, the United Nations said.

More than a quarter of all households some 25.8% or 1.4 million are female-headed and more than half are by women who lost their partners in the separatist war.

In a media statement, UN Women in Sri Lanka representative, Ramaaya Salgado said women are particularly affected because they are exposed to hard-hit economic sectors, have less access to social protection and are more likely to be burdened with unpaid care and domestic work.

Salgado who is the country focal point for the subject added that women heads of households, in particular, carry a double burden in caring for their dependents and being the sole breadwinner of the family.

Long-term investment in social protection is needed to ensure female heads of households are resilient in the face of crisis situations. Hence, womens economic empowerment must be at the heart of COVID-19 response and recovery she said.

Describing a typical woman, the UN said, has been struggling to make ends meet since her husband died 15 years ago due to the conflict.

The release cited a woman named Tharshini who had been badly affected since the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns that started last year.

Her income from poultry farming has dropped, and her eldest daughter, who they relied on for household expenses, has found no daily-wage work.

During the lockdown, we had to take loans from our neighbours, said Tharshani. We were struggling to find the money for food, and my son had to go to school every day without breakfast. I was afraid he might not be able to continue his education, said the mother of three.

Recovering from the COVID-19 crisis must include urgent policy action to introduce economic support packages for vulnerable women, according to the UN Women publication Gender Equality in the Wake of COVID-19 the statement added.

Further, the publication highlights that eliminating inequality in the labour market is more urgent than ever. This includes addressing issues related to occupational segregation, gender pay gaps and inadequate access to affordable childcare. Data on socioeconomic effects as well as improved and up-to-date gender-responsive data collection systems are also vital to understanding the pandemics impact on different groups of women.

Last year, with support from the Government of Australia (DFAT), UN Women in Sri Lanka together with local NGO Viluthu has supported more than 1,300 female-headed households through the delivery of emergency relief packs including dry rations to meet their daily needs, the statement said.

With enough supplies for the next few months, I am now able to save up to cover the costs of my sons education, says Tharshani who was also among those that received the emergency relief packs.

2020 marked the 25th anniversary of the landmark Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which set out how to remove the systemic barriers that hold women back from equal participation in all areas of life. To ensure economic empowerment of female heads of households like Tharshani, COVID-19 is a reminder that urgent action is needed to invest in the future of women and girls in Sri Lanka, and around the world it added.

(ECONOMYNEXT)

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Russian circumnavigation team arrive in Sri Lanka

Published

12 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

The Russian circumnavigation team, the 5 Oceans Club, made a brief stop in Sri Lanka as part of their second global sailing expedition.

The six-member crew, visited the Russian House in Colombo, on Friday, (24th April) where they shared insights from their journey.

What makes this expedition particularly inspiring is the club’s commitment to inclusivity. They actively encourage children with limb disabilities to experience the ocean and participate in sailing as equals, fostering confidence and a deep connection with nature.

The team also spoke about a specialized sailing school based in Siberia—one of Russia’s most picturesque regions—where children with such challenges are trained and introduced to maritime life. During the session, they offered a glimpse into their daily life aboard the yacht and highlighted how they integrate elements of science into their explorations, making their journey both adventurous and educational.

The crew consists of, Dmitry Kuznetsov – (captain of the boat of the 5 Oceans Club), ⁠Vladimir Dudkin – (crew member), ⁠Dmitry Dudkin –(cabin boy), ⁠Ksenia Kuznetsova – (cabin boy), ⁠Natalia Shahinyan – (founder of the charity foundation “Life on the Move”), ⁠Sofia Sheremet -(ward of the foundation)

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

18 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 25 April 2026, valid for 26 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-744649

News

Sagarika derailment disrupts coastal rail line; services to resume in two days

Published

19 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Railway General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya said on Friday that re-railing operations of the derailed ‘Sagarika’ train have already commenced and that services on the Coastal Line are expected to be restored within two days.

Addressing the media, he said the Minister had instructed officials to take all necessary measures to minimise inconvenience to passengers.

Commenting on the incident, he said: “The damaged train is a significant loss for us, especially as our fleet is already limited. We have incurred this loss and hope to rectify the situation promptly. However, we will need to deploy an alternative train in its place, and discussions are currently underway.”

The ‘Sagarika’ train, operating from Beliatta to Maradana, derailed near the Wadduwa Railway Station on Friday morning (24), causing severe damage to one track of the dual-line section.

The Railway Department has since restricted services on the affected Coastal Line up to Panadura Railway Station.

Arrangements have been made to transport passengers from Panadura to South Kalutara by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses, from where train services will resume towards Matara and Beliatta.

Meanwhile, the Department said efforts are underway to clear the obstruction and restore at least one track by the end of the day.