The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Chairman. On this debate on the Votes of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, I convey our party’s wishes to all Sri Lankan women who move forward fearlessly.

¶ 02 On Women’s Day, this House has spoken meaningfully. We are glad about the high representation of women on both Government and Opposition benches, about the leadership of our current woman Prime Minister, and that the Secretary-General of Parliament is a woman. We must build on and further elevate that value while addressing gaps.

¶ 03 In our villages, many women are trapped in microfinance debt—often taking instant loans for household needs and children’s education, sometimes without the knowledge of their husbands. I propose that the Government provide solutions via Samurdhi Development Banks—designing quick, safer micro‑credit lines for women through group mechanisms to avoid predatory lenders.

¶ 04 Preschools are pivotal for women and children. Recognition for preschool teachers began when the Mahinda Rajapaksa Government increased their allowance from Rs. 250 to Rs. 2,500, and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa increased it to Rs. 5,000. The current Government added Rs. 1,000 more. But the value of their service far exceeds Rs. 5,000–6,000. Early childhood development determines the country’s future. We should raise the allowance to at least Rs. 10,000–15,000 in future Budgets, update teachers’ knowledge continuously, and train them to detect early issues (hearing, vision, developmental anomalies). They also need a suitable retirement benefit scheme.

¶ 05 On child care institutions under the Department of Probation, we have observed lack of openness and sometimes punitive environments that harm children psychologically. We should emulate models like SOS Children’s Villages, built on the concept “a loving home for every child,” promoting family‑like care and social integration.

¶ 06 Another issue: many parents in lower economic strata face mental burdens. Prenatal anomaly scans are expensive; poor mothers cannot afford them. If the State can provide some access to such essential tests for vulnerable mothers, it would be valuable.

¶ 07 I also wish to note the plight of mothers caring for severely disabled children. When such a mother passes away, the child’s fate is precarious. Cultural and religious constraints limit options. We should think differently and seek humane, advanced solutions for children with non‑viable life prospects or profound disabilities, with utmost sensitivity.

¶ 08 Widows face severe difficulties, often having to escort children to and from school, hampering livelihoods. Administrative rules sometimes block benefits like Aswesuma when they live under parents’ households. I urge easing such rules so secondary household units in the same dwelling can receive benefits when justified.

¶ 09 Lastly, on consumer prices: mothers often go first to Sathosa. Yet, yesterday’s prices at a Sathosa outlet for staples like sugar, dhal, flour, onions and jaggery were higher than at nearby private shops by Rs. 7–20 per kilo on many items. If State outlets can operate more efficiently to give real savings, it will help mothers managing household budgets.

¶ 10 Strengthening women is not only about giving positions but ensuring they can retain space with dignity at all levels. We must also prepare strong, capable female candidates at local levels and support them to deliver.

¶ 11 We should also build vibrant children’s societies—like “Muthuvara” children’s societies—to create nourishing environments for childhood. Thank you for the opportunity.