The Hon. (Ms.) Ambika Samivel

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I am pleased to speak on the Adjournment Motion brought by Hon. Samanmalee Gunasinghe marking International Women’s Day.

¶ 02 Some still think women must be confined to household duties, but today women excel in every field. Beyond motherhood, women achieve in schools and universities. Though constraints remain, culture is changing, and many fathers, brothers and husbands, along with the government, support women’s freedom, talents and equality.

¶ 03 As a woman from the plantation Tamil community, I note that our women contribute foreign exchange through tea plucking, the apparel sector and domestic work abroad, and also achieve in higher spheres. Tamil women’s political representation has grown: there are now three Tamil women MPs and many in local bodies; we also have a Tamil woman Minister—of Women and Child Affairs—who is here today to respond to this debate. This is commendable.

¶ 04 Plantation Tamil women now serve as university lecturers and professors, school principals and vice-principals, and officials in education offices. In the North and East, Tamil women hold high posts such as District Secretary and Governor. Women contribute not only as workers generating foreign exchange but as creators and leaders, which the NPP government recognizes.

¶ 05 Women also shape justice as judges and lawyers, and serve with distinction as medical doctors and consultants. Without women’s participation, sustainable development is impossible. Hence, ensuring equality of opportunity across all sectors is essential. Our government has accordingly mandated at least 5% women’s participation across civic and social protection bodies and expanded opportunities in politics and beyond.

¶ 06 Please grant me one more minute.

¶ 07 Give women their rightful place. When a woman advances, the family advances; when the family advances, society advances. Woman is not weak; she is a force—giving love as a mother and sowing knowledge as a teacher. She is the quiet revolution that transforms society. Let us honour, empower and advance women. Thank you.