The Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, thank you.

¶ 02 This Adjournment Motion appreciates women’s contribution to the national economy and proposes a National Care Policy to integrate unpaid care work into the national economy, presented by the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of the 10th Parliament. I am pleased to contribute.

¶ 03 First, I must respond to an earlier Opposition statement alleging an Iranian warship lingered off Galle seeking entry, and because permission was refused, it suffered attack. What message is intended here? In a wartime global context, should such a vessel have been brought into Galle? Such statements are inappropriate and inhumane; politicizing war to score points is irresponsible. We stand for world peace and humanitarian principles.

¶ 04 On the National Care Policy: University Grants Commission data show women are about 60–65% of university students, yet women constitute only about 30–35% of the labour force—revealing a significant gap and economic inactivity among women. A key reason is the burden attached to women’s roles in our region: caregiving for children and elders, ensuring safety and nutrition—the reproductive economy—work that is not counted in GDP or production.

¶ 05 Therefore, as policymakers and representatives, it is our duty to ensure justice to women’s unpaid care labour—by creating an enabling environment and providing facilities. Our “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” policy identified unpaid care work; now we must move from concept to a national policy.

¶ 06 We have already taken steps to shoulder this burden as a government responsibility: wage increases in public and private sectors; early childhood development; book allowances for low-income children; shoe and stationery allowances for small schools—measures across ministries that ease women’s burdens. This reflects gender-responsive budgeting across the whole budget, not only the Women and Children’s Ministry.

¶ 07 On women’s mental health: if a woman at home is content, her children thrive; WHO defines mental health as the state enabling one to cope with stress, realize abilities, work productively, and contribute to society. Good mental health directly affects women’s productivity.

¶ 08 Groundviews indicates about 30% of adults in Sri Lanka experience mental health issues; women face depression, stress, domestic violence, and postpartum grief—yet public dialogue and awareness are lacking. We are focusing on awareness and services.

¶ 09 We are expanding shelter homes for women survivors of violence nationwide; the 11th shelter was opened in Nuwara Eliya. Following Cyclone “Ditsi,” we launched “Healing Sri Lanka” and, with divisional secretariats and local authorities, are setting up child-care centres to assist mothers. We are moving counselling beyond lectures to practical, society-wide awareness, including programs for engaged couples.

¶ 10 Art is therapy for the mind; under “Dakshina Punarudaya” in the South, we brought art closer to women. Through “Arogya” in primary health units and the national anti-drug “Ratama Ekata” drive, we aim to provide necessary forums for women’s mental well-being. To innovate and be entrepreneurial, a woman’s mind must be free and light. We will move unpaid care work beyond policy into action. Thank you.