Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya in her International Womens Day message said that “it is a  time to come together—not just to celebrate the progress we have made, but to confront the deep structural inequalities as well as misogynistic ideologies that continue to shape the lives of women, in all their diversity—not only in Sri Lanka but all over the world.

The full text of the Prime Ministers message:

“Today, as we mark International Women’s Day, we stand at a crucial moment in history. This is  a  time to come together—not just to celebrate the progress we have made, but to confront the deep structural inequalities as well as misogynistic ideologies that continue to shape the lives of women, in all their diversity—not only in Sri Lanka but all over the world.

Gender-based violence, economic hardship, and political exclusion disproportionately affect women—particularly those from rural communities, war-affected regions, plantations, and the informal labour sector. No woman is safe until every single woman is safe. We must commit to protecting one another, ensuring that no one is left behind, and that the rights and safety of every woman are upheld. Women make up 52% of our population, and we received universal franchise in 1931. At the last election we were able to significantly increase the number of women in parliament. While we celebrate that we need to acknowledge that it is still too low. Our democracy is incomplete when a significant portion of our citizens is excluded from leadership and decision-making. At a time when Sri Lanka is navigating economic recovery, climate change, digital transformation, and democratic challenges, we cannot afford to side-line half of our population. Women’s voices, leadership, and agency are essential to overcoming these challenges and building a resilient future for all.

Feminist movements have long shown us that change is possible—but only when we challenge the status quo and demand systemic transformation. As the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, I reaffirm my unwavering commitment to advancing policies that center the rights and agency of women and girls. This IWD, let us commit to transformative action—not just in words, but through gender-sensitive policies, budgets, and the lived experiences of all women and marginalized communities.

When women thrive, communities thrive. When women lead, nations transform. This International Women’s Day, let’s unite and move beyond words. Let’s commit to real, lasting change—for the generations before us, for those fighting today, and for those who will come after”.

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
08th March 2025

President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasised the necessity of transforming the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) into a significant contributor to the national economy through efficient and productive investments.

The President made these remarks during a discussion held on Friday (07) at the Presidential Secretariat with officials of the SLIC.

The meeting included a comprehensive review of the corporation’s current operations. The President emphasized that any financial losses incurred by SLIC would directly impact the public who have invested in it. The President, therefore, stressed the need for comprehensive management practices to enhance profitability and ensure its sustainability as a state-owned enterprise.

The discussion was attended by SLIC Chairman Nusith Kumaratunga, members of the Board of Directors, and senior officials.

[PMD]

By Hemanta Randunu

Investigators suspect that Ishara Sewwandi, one of the key suspects in the killing of underworld gang leader Ganemulle Sanjeewa, in the dock of a Magistrate’s Court at Hulftsdorp recently, may have fled to India by a boat.

Authorities have searched nearly 200 locations where the suspect was reported to be hiding, but have so far been unable to find any trace of her.

The police state that tracking Ishara Sewwandi has been difficult since she has stopped using her mobile phone, making it impossible to gather any leads on her whereabouts.

Two days after the killing of Ganemulle Sanjeewa, Ishara Sewwandi reportedly travelled to the Kalutara area, where she purchased gold jewellery, worth approximately Rs. 500,000, from a jewellery store. However, no significant information about her movements has been obtained since then. Gold, and especially gold jewellery, is much in demand in India.

Police now strongly believe that the suspect may have escaped, by boat, via the southern coastal region.