The Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, on this International Women’s Day, I am happy to speak in a Parliament with the highest women’s representation in our history. I join the debate on the Head of Expenditure of the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs under the inaugural NPP Budget.

¶ 02 Women’s Day is not just a celebration; we honor generations of women who raised their voices for rights and identity. This year’s theme is “A Sustainable Tomorrow – The Path of an Empowered She.” For a sustainable life, we believe women must have financial and economic independence. Therefore, I focus on empowering women-led households in this Budget.

¶ 03 Women’s contribution to household income has been rising: 23% (2009/10), 23.5% (2012/13), 25% (2016), and about 30% today. But we must ask why women participate—if due to poverty, lack of social protection—then the state must respond. A 72-year-old mother told me, in tears, she still makes string-hoppers to support her daughter and granddaughters. Women should join the economy with dignity and pride, not desperation. Hence we have allocated Rs. 63 million for women’s economic empowerment—especially for low-income urban women—through projects, market access, and training.

¶ 04 Young women are building their own brands and seeking to monetize their talents. This Budget creates opportunities for them. We also recognize the immense contribution of women working abroad who bring the largest share of foreign exchange; we will create alternative livelihood programmes so their labor can be used here too.

¶ 05 We cannot forget women who manage households and care for children while also engaging in income activities. To ease their burden, programmes like breakfast for preschool children are being implemented. This Budget strengthens the identity and dignity of women across society.

¶ 06 This is only the beginning—our Budget covers eight months; we have five years to achieve the end goal: ensure women receive due value in society. I am proud of our NPP women MPs who came without political family backgrounds, through their own effort. We salute all our sisters.

¶ 07 Some in the Opposition reduced women’s issues to prices of goods and statistics; our vision is broader and progressive: recognize women’s strength and build a society where her dignity is unquestioned. When women are happy, families and, by extension, society prosper. Our “Prosperous Country - Beautiful Life” goal rests on this Budget’s foundation. Under an NPP government, we pledge to safeguard the future of the nation’s women. Thank you.