The Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 [12.20 p.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Speaker, this Adjournment Motion is important as International Women’s Day falls on March 8. I appreciate this opportunity to speak for women’s safety.

¶ 03 However, I must note: a member invited by this august House from the Opposition devoted his entire speech to the Israel–Iran war during this important debate. Even with time allocated for this topic, he spoke only on war. Is that why women have lacked adequate protection over the years?

¶ 04 When speaking of women, we must speak of workers. We must strengthen the economy that is recovering from collapse over the past 2–3 years. Building, empowering, and creating a good environment for the worker — all of this is done by women, both at home and outside, in multiple roles as mothers, sisters, daughters, and professionals, often in top positions, providing silent service that has not yet been properly valued. Therefore, today’s debate aims to recognize women’s contribution to the national economy and to formulate a National Care Policy to integrate unpaid care work into the national economy.

¶ 05 Over 52% of our population are women. About 70% of university graduates are women, yet only around 35% enter the workforce. A unique feature in Sri Lanka is graduate housewives. After marriage, many mothers focus on childcare — building the next worker and creating a healthy environment — and thus workforce participation declines. To strengthen the economy, we must actively engage these women.

¶ 06 Our policy is “A Prosperous Country — A Beautiful Life,” implying not just monetary prosperity but a happy, fulfilling family life. We cannot empower women in isolation or by the Women and Children’s Ministry alone. Our broader programme aims to strengthen the family unit — father, mother, and child — economically, politically, and socially.

¶ 07 A key step was the Women’s Empowerment Act, No. 37 of 2024, under which a Women’s Commission is envisaged, recognizing that women face specific social challenges. Through the Commission, policy solutions can be advanced.

¶ 08 We also have the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 2005, now nearly 20 years old. With technological and social change, new problems have emerged. We are identifying needed amendments and will bring them forward.

¶ 09 Another issue is predatory microfinance preying on economically weaker women. To address this, the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill was introduced to protect consumers. Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry has released approximately Rs. 96 billion in loan programmes, benefiting women entrepreneurs — with concessional, interest-free, or easily repayable loans.

¶ 10 The Ministries of Women and Child Affairs; Rural Development, Social Protection and Community Empowerment; Industries and Entrepreneurship Development; and Education, along with the Police, are working together, as no single entity can empower women alone.

¶ 11 In conclusion, women face many challenges. Do not fall or falter — the Government stands with you to support and uplift you. With increased women’s representation in this Tenth Parliament, we are here to back you.

¶ 12 Thank you.