February 16, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has declared that her government will not permit the country’s progress to be undermined by those seeking to inflame racial tensions, calling instead for women to take a leading role in shaping a more united and forward-looking Sri Lanka.
She made the remarks while addressing a large gathering of women in Adampan, Mannar District, on 15 February. The meeting brought together community leaders, local representatives and residents from across the district.
In her address, the Prime Minister noted that although women account for more than half of the country’s population, their influence has not always been proportionately reflected in decision-making or public life. She pointed to recent efforts by the government to improve women’s representation and said further progress would depend on women stepping confidently into leadership roles at every level.
Reflecting on the country’s past conflict, Dr Amarasuriya observed that decades of violence and mistrust had left deep scars, particularly among women who had lost family members or were still living with unanswered questions about the fate of loved ones. While the war had formally ended years ago, she said genuine reconciliation required more than silence; it demanded sustained commitment to justice, equality and mutual respect.
The Prime Minister stressed that her administration stands firmly against racism and division, arguing that certain political factions continue to exploit ethnic tensions for personal gain. Such groups, she said, show little interest in tackling corruption, strengthening democratic institutions or ensuring equal application of the law, focusing instead on regaining power.
She also referred to the severe economic crisis of 2022, describing it as the result of prolonged mismanagement and misuse of public resources. By contrast, she said, the present government had stabilised the economy by curbing corruption and reducing waste, enabling the state to respond to recent natural disasters without resorting to further borrowing.
Highlighting reforms in state-owned enterprises, she noted that dairy farmers had recently received a share of profits from Milco for the first time in over two decades. This, she said, demonstrated that with improved governance and financial discipline, public institutions could once again deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
Turning to law enforcement, Dr Amarasuriya identified the spread of narcotics as a serious threat to families and communities. She said the government had empowered the police to act independently and enforce the law without political interference, while the judiciary was being supported to function impartially. No individual, she insisted, would be placed above the law.
The Prime Minister acknowledged continuing concerns about violence against women and children, pledging to strengthen legal protections and expand judicial capacity so that cases could be resolved more swiftly and effectively.
Education reform formed a central part of her speech. She announced that graduate teachers would be recruited this year after a five-year hiatus and deployed to schools where vacancies exist. Efforts were also under way to appoint principals to long-unfilled posts and to upgrade school facilities, including the introduction of smart classrooms in secondary schools. A revised curriculum has already been launched for Grade One pupils.
Emphasising women’s economic contribution, Dr Amarasuriya said that despite their achievements across multiple sectors, many women continue to receive lower wages and face limited support. She called for improved childcare facilities and safer working conditions to enable more women to participate fully in the workforce or pursue self-employment.
Concluding her address, the Prime Minister urged women not to allow the country to slide back into division and instability. The responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s future, she said, rests heavily on their shoulders.
The event was attended by local elected representatives, including Member of Parliament Jegatheeswaran, as well as municipal and divisional council members and a large number of women from across the district.
