The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of National Integration

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity to speak on the Head of Expenditure of the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs on International Women’s Day.

¶ 02 Under a National People’s Power government, we can proudly speak about women and children’s rights. I saw in the newspapers that in 76 years our Parliament had only a slow increase in women’s representation. We can proudly say that the National People’s Power changed that trajectory, raising representation to 22. Another distinctive feature is that, historically, women’s representation largely came with political family backgrounds—through a father, husband, or brother. But today, all our women MPs of the NPP have arrived without such family political power, independently and courageously. That is noteworthy.

¶ 03 Many views were expressed today in this debate from women’s perspectives and about children’s lives. I wish to draw attention to a beautiful poem by the world-renowned poet Hafiz: in essence, “The mother is a school; if you prepare her well, you prepare a nation well.” As a government working under the policy of “Prosperous country - Beautiful life,” we must give a special place to women and children in our development programme. We can say with pride that we have done so and will continue to strengthen this area.

¶ 04 We all know a child spends most time with the mother. When asked who is most deserving of love in life, a sage replied three times: “Your mother.” The gold, silver, and bronze medals of life should go to that courageous woman.

¶ 05 Yet, in reality, some women in our country live with diminished cultural life. Through this Budget we have presented measures to rescue and uplift them. Summarizing remarks made also in Tamil: the essence is that preparing the mother—ensuring her rights and meeting her needs—creates a better society. In times of crisis and economic trouble, it was women in our homes who bore the greatest burdens. Despite challenges, Sri Lankan women have achieved leading intellectual progress in South Asia. This Budget aims to add strength to their path by creating opportunities and facilities.

¶ 06 On International Women’s Day, as a state we are obliged to accelerate progress so women’s rights and wellbeing are realized. Though we have not yet reached that goal, we are firmly on that journey. We can be proud as a country that has produced three women Prime Ministers and a woman President.

¶ 07 However, real issues of safety, poverty, equality, education, political participation, and access to state structures remain, and we carry responsibility. We increased women’s representation in Parliament at the very first opportunity. It is still not enough, and we must strengthen it further, especially in the forthcoming local government elections, to bring in more women to public representation.

¶ 08 Sri Lanka has a deep tradition of honoring motherhood. Before entering school, a child spends years under a mother’s care and then under teachers’. If the mother lacks good physical, mental, and social conditions, it violates not only her rights but also the child’s. As a society, we must provide necessary protection and support to mothers and families.

¶ 09 We also recognize children’s rights. Within this Vote, we have created space for health, safety, and education necessary for their right to life. Education is essential for all children, under any circumstance.

¶ 10 A key topic is children’s time to play. It is a concern today. Beyond education, rest and play are crucial. The government will act to promote sports within schools and other activities, opening pathways so children can realize their dreams in safe, loving environments. Children change the world, and creating the environment for their ideas is our duty. This Vote allocates funds to that end.

¶ 11 We have listened to various proposals regarding laws. As a sensitive and compassionate government, we will work with all parties, without oppressing anyone, to bring the necessary changes.

¶ 12 Thank you for the time. I conclude.