Addressing the Women’s Day celebration of Gampaha District held on Saturday (08) in Kadawatha under theme of “Rebuilding the Nation with Women’s Strength,” Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that women will take the lead in transforming this nation into a refined and humane nation in the upcoming decade.

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya further stated:

Celebration of Women’s Day in this year is particularly significant as it marks the year in which the victories are achieved through years of struggles, protests and perseverance.

I will reflect how past governments used force against women when we stand for our rights. The women sitting here today were the ones who shielded me from water cannons during the protests. Savitri Paul Raj, who raised her voice for our rights back then, now holds the esteemed position of Minister of Women’s Affairs. The path to this victory was never easy.

However, this does not mark the end. The power we establish through protests does not satisfy our victory. It has only been three months since we came to power, and we have already presented a budget to implement our policies for the next nine months.

The opposition urges us to refrain from discussing the past, but the reality is that 80% of our current efforts are dedicated to fixing the problems they created. We are implementing the vision of the present government while cleaning up the mess they left.

We came into power with a vision to rebuild the nation. We work systematically, while carefully identifying the issues.

Women cannot step back now. This is a time to work harder than ever to establish the victories that have been achieved, and to move forward with the dedication of achieving goals.

Women are given significant responsibility in the upcoming local government elections to increase female representation to 25%. This is not an impossible task.

Women have stepped forward to build a new future and rewrite history. In order to achieve this social transformation, steps should be taken to initiate discussions within society, prepare the community and to take the lead.

Our role is not limited to politics or entering Parliament. Women must initiate the lead across different sectors.

When it comes to education, we need a system that produces capable e individuals who can provide the leadership this country requires. The best teachers and educational reforms are needed for that. To achieve these reforms, we must initiate discussions in society.

Even though changes can be determined through a conceptual transformation, attitudinal changes should be there in initiating the practical transformation. Just as we strive to give the best to our own children, we must work to provide the best for all children in this country. Transforming society requires collective effort, and each of us must take responsibility.

Love, compassion, solidarity, and empathy are not new concepts for women. I strongly believe that in the upcoming decade, women will take the lead in transforming this nation into a compassionate and humane country.

The event was attended by Gampaha District Leader and Minister Vijitha Herath, Member of Parliament Hemali Weerasekera, Gampaha District Executive Council Member Prof. Seetha Bandara, along with members and the representatives of the National People’s Power (NPP).

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]