100th International Women’s Day Celebrated in Kandy
Srama Shakthi, a grassroots women’s organization headed by Shanthin Konegahage, councilor for the Western Province from the United National Party, and the Campaign for Political Representation for Women (CPRW) held a public meeting in Kandy to celebrate the 100th International women’s day. Professor Kamala Liyanageof University of Persdeniya, Mrs. Chandra Ranaraja, former mayor of Kandy, Dr. Sujata Gamage, Coordinator, CPRW, and Mrs. Ayesha Wijeratne, President of the Kandy Rotary Club were the special guests.
It was significant that Ms. Shanthini Konegahage is currently on the nomination list for the Kandy district for the parliamentary election to be held on April 8th ,and several of members of the Srama Shakthi participating in the event are planning to submit nominations from their recpective urban/municipal council or pradesheeya sabha.
Prof Kamala Liyanage gave a comprehensive account of where women are today in terms of social, economic and political empowerment. Mrs. Ranaraja reminisced about her entry into the politic and encouraged the younger women. Mrs. Ayesha Wijeratne talked about women making their mark as volunteers in service organizations such as the Rotarians. Dr. Sujata Gamage stressed the importance of political power and the relevance of quotas to remove entrenched socail barriers. She also noted that India already has a reservation of 33% of the seats in the Panchayatts for women and that a historic bill to extend the same reservation for the election of members to the parliament was being debated on this vry same 100th International women’s day
Srama Shakthi, a grassroots women’s organization headed by Shanthin Konegahage, councilor for the Western Province from the United National Party, and the Campaign for Political Representation for Women (CPRW) held a public meeting in Kandy to celebrate the 100th International women’s day. Professor Kamala Liyanageof University of Persdeniya, Mrs. Chandra Ranaraja, former mayor of Kandy, Dr. Sujata Gamage, Coordinator, CPRW, and Mrs. Ayesha Wijeratne, President of the Kandy Rotary Club were the special guests.
It was significant that Ms. Shanthini Konegahage is currently on the nomination list for the Kandy district for the parliamentary election to be held on April 8th ,and several of members of the Srama Shakthi participating in the event are planning to submit nominations from their recpective urban/municipal council or pradesheeya sabha.
Prof Kamala Liyanage gave a comprehensive account of where women are today in terms of social, economic and political empowerment. Mrs. Ranaraja reminisced about her entry into the politic and encouraged the younger women. Mrs. Ayesha Wijeratne talked about women making their mark as volunteers in service organizations such as the Rotarians. Dr. Sujata Gamage stressed the importance of political power and the relevance of quotas to remove entrenched socail barriers. She also noted that India already has a reservation of 33% of the seats in the Panchayatts for women and that a historic bill to extend the same reservation for the election of members to the parliament was being debated on this vry same 100th International women’s day.
Potential Members
Mrs. Pushpa Kodituwakku – Yatinuwara Pradesiya Sabawa
Mrs. Ashoka Dodandeniya – Udunuwara Pradeshiya Sabawa
