The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, at this time of Adjournment Questions, I wish to raise several important questions with the Minister of Women and Child Affairs regarding women’s labour force participation.

¶ 02 According to the World Bank 2024 statistics, female labour force participation in Sri Lanka is 31.6 percent. Only three out of ten women participate in employment; seven out of ten are not working or not participating. Women constitute about 52 percent of our population, more than men. Increasing women’s participation in the labour force would enable financial independence and allow greater economic contribution.

¶ 03 In developing countries, female labour force participation is around 48–50 percent. Therefore, with the aim of increasing women’s employment, especially:

¶ 04 1. Can the Government explain its policies and programmes to enhance women’s labour force participation in rural areas and in war-affected Northern and Eastern Provinces? 2. Is the Government aware that nearly one-third of households in the Northern Province are female-headed? What targeted supports are provided to economically empower these households? 3. What programmes exist or are planned to promote female entrepreneurship and support women-led enterprises in the North, East, and other marginalized regions? 4. Are there programmes to increase women’s participation in the economy and create sustainable livelihoods in war-affected areas? 5. Has the Government planned any financial allocations or other initiatives to enhance women’s economic status? 6. Are there plans to expand responsible social protection and vocational training tailored to women’s employability and women entrepreneurs? 7. Will the Minister consider providing concessional two-wheelers and loan schemes to women entrepreneurs, and facilitating part-time work opportunities?