“When women thrive, communities thrive; When women lead, nations transform” – PM Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has emphasized that Sri Lanka’s democracy remains incomplete without the full participation of women in leadership and decision-making.
In a statement for International Women’s Day, she stressed the need for systemic change, urging leaders to move beyond words and implement gender-sensitive policies and budgets.
She also expressed her commitment to advancing women’s rights, emphasizing that true progress can only be achieved when women’s leadership and agency are fully recognized in shaping the nation’s future.
Full statement:
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.