The Hon. (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, at today’s Adjournment, Hon. Samanmali Gunasinghe has moved a proposal to formulate a “National Care Policy” for women. I believe that, for the first time in history, so many women Members have spoken on behalf of women today. All women MPs present had the opportunity to speak.

¶ 02 The woman who once raised her lone voice for our political movement is today serving this country as its second citizen, as Prime Minister. Alongside her, 19 other women sit here—20 of us in all—elected and sent to this Parliament. There are also 683 women representing local authorities. Women are in Community Strengthening Committees and Women’s Societies. Not only did large numbers of women unite for this transformative political change, they now play an active, conscious role in national politics.

¶ 03 As a country and society, we were shattered economically, socially and culturally. The Leader of the Opposition spoke of this collapse, describing the conditions before we came to power. When the economy collapses and social culture breaks down—when narcotics spread into families—the burden fell on women in homes. We remember mothers who went hungry to feed their children when they could not provide three meals; how much pain did they endure when children suffered malnutrition and there was no way to give a nutritious meal? “Mawbima” of 27 March 2024 reported 30,000 children in the country facing severe issues; schoolchildren fainted; parents and teachers started hunger protests. That was then. Today, we have been able to provide nutritious school meals and required items like shoes, reducing the burden on parents.

¶ 04 The proportion of preschool children suffering malnutrition was also high—one in five children. We are now providing nutritious meals to preschoolers and are able to control and reduce malnutrition.

¶ 05 For the first time, we are providing sanitary pads meeting standards to schoolgirls. We are working to provide housing for children and parents living in shacks—tin, mud or cadjan huts. Lack of shelter is one of the greatest hardships. I recall laying the foundation stone at the home of Ms. Nayana Kumari in Millaniya: she had lived in a tent for nine years with her three grown daughters. It is hard to imagine her life in that tent. When we handed them the keys to a proper house, her eyes lit up. Many women have suffered severe economic hardship and lacked a home. The Opposition Leader spoke rightly about the past, but that was during their time in power. Today, we are providing all possible facilities to the people. This time, we will provide 51,000 houses, freeing them from one of their greatest burdens.

¶ 06 People once went to sleep fearing morning price hikes. Today, that is not the case. We have raised not only public sector salaries but also the minimum wage in the private sector. Rates for ETF, EPF, gratuity and overtime increase accordingly. In a year, we have created an economy where one can eat three meals without debt. Contrary to the Opposition’s claims, with sound fiscal discipline we have grown the economy.

¶ 07 In 2025, we achieved a landmark in exports: a record US$ 17.3 billion in total export earnings. We aim to reach US$ 36 billion by 2030. Coconut-based manufacturing grew by 42 percent; overall export industry by 24 percent; apparel exports by 5 percent. Many women are engaged across these sectors.

¶ 08 This June, after 14 years, Sri Lanka Expo 2026, an International Trade Exhibition, will be held, with about 1,500 buyers and investors expected—creating market opportunities. We have also fostered an entrepreneurship drive in the country.

¶ 09 We went to villages and discussed with women. Every time, they came to us with project ideas, identified local resources, prepared projects and are contributing to the economy. Women now feel empowered to go beyond household duties and contribute to the national economy.

¶ 10 As Maxim Gorky wrote in “Mother”: “All that exists is created by a mother’s milk and the rays of the sun.” She is the symbol of success and production—a strong woman—who needs opportunities to work in the country. Historically, as the Opposition noted, women’s chances to come into the open were restricted; but today, with dignity, women are advancing rapidly—working not only for economic development, but also for social and political development.

¶ 11 Thank you.