The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, on the Votes of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, first I thank the women who, over the past two years, strengthened politically, stepped forward as leaders and laboured for social change, enabling a historic number of women to enter this Parliament. The sacrifices of women Members in this Government will show the country who the real leaders are.

¶ 02 We are a Government that seeks answers to problems and has allocated substantial funds across ministries for women. This is a feminist Budget. But what is the environment women face? On this Women’s Day, I read a phrasing that struck me: “Women toil—cooking, cleaning, sleepless, rising early, housework, child care, fasting, bearing children, breastfeeding, preserving culture and religion, protecting honour, listening, even suffering blows—ashamed and silent.” Our women labour not only for their families, but to safeguard society and strengthen the economy. I ask every citizen: help her, protect her, respect her. When she feels recognized, she will serve her family, country and economy with joy and redoubled energy. Empowering women strengthens the economy and society, and we all benefit.

¶ 03 Our Budget funds not only women’s empowerment but also strengthening families and communities. In a context of rising poverty, we target two million families over five years to eradicate deprivation. Women’s and children’s rights are embedded in that pathway through education and inclusion.

¶ 04 I also raise an issue: while in the past some used women police officers for menial tasks, they did not even ensure basic needs like proper footwear since 2018. The new Government, with the relevant Ministry, has pledged to address such basic needs of policewomen.

¶ 05 Next, migrant workers, who bring in US$ 6.095 billion, boosting our reserves. Why do they leave? Because we failed to build an economy and a social environment where families can live with dignity. Large numbers of mothers and sisters go abroad. In 2019, 60.2 per cent of those who left were men, yet 60.5 per cent of applications were by women; 61,489 women left as domestic workers (30.3 per cent). During COVID‑19 in 2020, that fell to 15,332, but rose to 100,876 in 2023 (33.8 per cent) and was 93,808 in 2024 (29.98 per cent). Most go to the Middle East, from where 51.6 per cent of remittances came in 2021, 65.8 per cent in 2022 and 65.6 per cent in 2023.

¶ 06 These women sever ties and labour abroad, often facing human trafficking. If we can send them with proper training and contracts via recognized agencies, abuse will lessen. The State strives to train and contract them for safer migration. Despite their contributions, they lacked a pension. This Budget initiates a contributory pension for non‑institutionalized migrant workers who do not have a pension. Also, banks have not facilitated loans for them despite remittances flowing through banks. We will design loan schemes to strengthen their economic activity and businesses. We have also allocated significant funds across the Budget for their children’s education. This Budget goes beyond talk to implementable programmes for women and children.

¶ 07 Thank you, Hon. Chairman.