The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Please grant me one more minute, Hon. Presiding Member.

¶ 02 We truly believe what some are attempting now is to undermine women’s political power. This is not only in the discourse around the Women’s Commission. Harassment of women Members of Parliament is also an attempt to erode women’s political power. The continued attacks on the Prime Minister, a woman, are likewise attempts to diminish the political power of women and women MPs.

¶ 03 We believe the change we have created is a strategic, historic change in Sri Lankan politics: sharing political power with women, sharing it with women in ordinary families. The movement that made this change came forward as “Women, We Stand as One.” That movement deserves proper respect and recognition. It must be given. It is not merely something we ask for; it is something society must grant.

¶ 04 If even a minimum cannot be given, they will not allow women MPs to come into the Opposition either. Amidst that inability, they show that they cannot extend to us the respect we are due.

¶ 05 Therefore, in conclusion, understanding these matters, I propose that we must continue to act to increase women’s representation. Hon. Presiding Member, thank you very much for the time given to speak.