News
Female LG members to fight abuse at the hands of their male counterparts
By Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon
Female local government members are planning to sink their political differences and form a front against what they call unfair male domination in their councils.
Addressing the media at Thalawatugoda on Saturday Maharagama Urban Council SLFP Member Chandrika de Zoysa said that their male counterparts did not allow them to speak at council meetings.
“This is a problem not limited only to the Maharagama UC. Female members are treated likewise in all MCs, UCs and Pradeshiya Sabhas. Whenever we try to speak the male council members irrespective of their party affiliations shout at us and humiliate us. Their domination is mostly overlooked and we have no chance to speak on the problems of the people who had voted for us.”
She said that the male council members hurled verbal abuse and addressed them in vulgar language and cracked dirty jokes much to the annoyance of female members. “We intend to form an organisation against these elements.
UNP Member of the Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte Municipal Council Harshani Sandaruwani said that the gender-based discrimination prevailing in the local government had to be ended forthwith. “We are harassed by male council members and they gang up overlooking their party differences to hurl various verbal abuse at us. The female council members are helpless. We have no one to turn to. Therefore, we decided to form an organisation of female council members countrywide and raise our voice.”
“We are elected representatives of people who pay rates. It is our duty to raise their problems but the gender-based discrimination prevailing in the MCs, UCs and Pradeshiya Sabhas does not permit us to do our job.”
Maharagama SLPP UC member Savithri Gunasekera said that there were 24 female members in the Maharagama UC of which the total number of members was 47. “We have more than half of the council members but none of us is able to speak at the council meeting. Some of the female members are scared of speaking about this problem openly for fear of reprisal. We call on the relevant authorities to bring in new laws to prevent the harassment by male council members. Whenever we submit a motion it is removed. This is a great injustice.”
Laugfs Gas PLC, has increased its price of domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
Accordingly,
The price of a 12.5 kg cylinder has been increased by Rs. 420 to Rs. 4,100
The price of a 5kg cylinder of Laugfs LPG has been increased by Rs.168 to Rs.1,645.
The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has announced a reduction in the prices of petrol by Rupees Ten, with effect from midnight tonight (31st March 2025).
Accordingly, the new fuel prices are as follows:
Petrol Octane 92 – Rs. 299
Petrol Octane 95 – Rs. 361
Auto Diesel – Rs. 286
Kerosene – Rs. 183
Super diesel – Rs. 331
News
Ramadan is a time to share the profound message of generosity, and compassion with the World – PM
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarsuriya in her Ramadan message says that Ramadan is a time to share the profound message of generosity, and compassion with the World.
The full text of the Prime Ministers Ramadan Message:
“As our Islamic brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka and around the world celebrate the sacred month of Ramadan, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes for peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment.
Ramadan is a time of deep reflection, prayer, and self-discipline. It is a period that teaches us the values of compassion, generosity, and unity. Fasting during this holy month is not only an act of devotion but also a reminder of the struggles faced by those less fortunate. It is a time to cultivate patience, humility, and gratitude while strengthening our bonds with family, friends, and the community.
At its core, Ramadan embodies the spirit of kindness, forgiveness, and charity. The practice of Zakat and Sadaqah during this time highlights the importance of sharing with those in need and reinforcing the principle that true prosperity lies in giving and uplifting others. These values are universal and resonate deeply with all communities, fostering harmony and understanding among people of different faiths and backgrounds.
Sri Lanka is a nation rich in diversity, and it is through mutual respect and solidarity that we continue to strengthen our collective future. The spirit of Ramadan reminds us of the need for coexistence, tolerance, and the pursuit of justice and peace.
As the month of fasting culminates in the joyous celebration of Eid, let us carry forward the lessons of Ramadan—compassion, unity, and selflessness—into our daily lives. May this blessed month bring peace to our hearts, our homes, and our nation.
Ramadan Mubarak!”
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