Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of the Tenth Parliament. This appointment was announced during the Caucus’ first meeting, which took place on December 3, 2024, under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The session, held at Parliament, was attended by several key figures, including Deputy Chairpersons of Committees Hemali Weerasekara, Secretary to the Caucus Kushani Rohanadeera, who is also the Secretary General of Parliament.

During the meeting, Saroja Paulraj was elected as the Chairperson following a proposal by Samanmalee Gunasingha, which was seconded by Anushka Thilakarathne. Alongside Paulraj, two Deputy Co-Chairs were elected: Chamindrani Bandara Kirielle, nominated by Rohini Kumari Wijerathna and seconded by Thushari Jayasingha, and Samanmalee Gunasingha, whose name was proposed by Krishnan Kaleichelvi and seconded by Deepthi Wasalage.

In her address, Prime Minister Amarasuriya highlighted the historic achievement of having a significant number of women elected to Parliament by public vote. She emphasised the importance of fostering a collaborative spirit within the Caucus, transcending political ideologies for the betterment of the nation.

“We must work together to ensure that every woman in Sri Lanka feels safe and secure,” said Chairperson Saroja Paulraj, expressing her vision for the Caucus. “This is just the beginning of a larger movement aimed at improving the lives of women across the country.”

The Caucus also decided to establish a subcommittee, led by the two Deputy Co-Chairs, to review and report on future programmes and initiatives. In addition, the members agreed to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on December 6, following a proposal by Rohini Kumari Wijerathna.

The meeting saw the active participation of numerous Parliamentarians, including Samanmalee Gunasingha, Chamindrani Bandara Kirielle, Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, Anushka Thilakarathne, and several others, who are all committed to advancing the rights and welfare of women in Sri Lanka.