The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, this Adjournment Motion marking International Women’s Day is necessary. While developed countries more fully utilize both men and women, in many places—including Sri Lanka and across parts of Asia—patriarchal structures still place women second. For true national productivity, women must be fully engaged with equality, equal rights and equal opportunity—not merely in words but in practice.

¶ 02 Women comprise 52% of our population, yet their representation in Parliament is low despite long-discussed targets such as 25% in local bodies. Notably, the world’s first woman Prime Minister was from Sri Lanka—Sirimavo Bandaranaike, who also placed the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace on the UN agenda—and our first woman President was Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. Yet, both entered office as widows, reminding us of the forms of harm women endure.

¶ 03 During conflicts—from 1971 to the final war—women were targeted: sexual violence and killings such as in Ampara (Koneshwari), Pungudutivu (Sarathambal), the Krishanthi case, and in the war’s end, Isapriya. We must reflect on the state’s role in protecting women. Even commentators like India’s Parveen Sultana have noted that, paradoxically, armed non-state structures at times enforced stricter discipline than “lawful” militaries.

¶ 04 Today, Sandhya Eknaligoda still searches for her disappeared husband, having appealed even to the UN. Lasantha Wickrematunge’s widow and daughter still await justice. If we celebrate Women’s Day, we must also ensure justice for these women.

¶ 05 Another pressing concern: human–elephant conflict in Batticaloa District. On 27 February 2026 at Mulai Kaadu, three women were attacked—76-year-old Sivabakiyam was killed inside her house; 43-year-old Gomathi was killed as her mother was attacked; another, Ponamma, was also killed at home. In Valaichchenai, two persons, including a woman, were killed. Women are no longer safe even inside their homes. Please take urgent measures.

¶ 06 Sir, one more minute. Bachelor of Education graduates who have completed four-year B.Ed. degrees should be appointed, as National Colleges of Education graduates are. Historically, B.Ed. graduates were deemed highly qualified for teaching; please regularize their appointments.

¶ 07 Another point: those who served as volunteer teachers since 2005 received appointments only in 2019; many have now crossed age 45, affecting their pensions. The United Congress (Aided Schools) President Mr. Salman Wahab raised this with me. Please consider backdating their appointment dates appropriately. Also, on this Women’s Day, grant due promotions to sports officers and fill vacancies.

¶ 08 Thank you.