he Women’s Caucus in Parliament organised a one-day event on March 10, 2015 in honour of International Women’s Day. The Women’s Caucus in Parliament consists of 13 Women Parliamentarians and was first established in 2006 and after dissolution resumed once again in 2010 with the objective of working together for the empowerment of girls and women in Sri Lanka and for the elimination of all kinds of violence and harassment against them.

The event was graced by the Honourable Prime Minister Mr Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was the Chief Guest and keynote speaker said “ Political parties should increase women’s participation in politics and that the President His Excellency, Maithripala Sirisena has pledged to increase women political representation by 25% in Pradheshiya Sabhas as the first step”. The Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Mr Chamal Rajapaksa, who graced the occasion as the guest of honour, notably said that “housewives also deserved special recognition and appreciation for their work and contribution to the family economy which also supports supplementary income avenues”. Hon. MP and Leader of the Opposition Mr. Nimal Siripala De Silva said “ we receive a significant service and strength from women working in plantation areas, garments, medical and legal sectors”.

Hon. MP Ms. Sumedha G. Jayasena,( Chairperson Parliamentary Women's Caucus, Former Minister), Deputy Chairperson Hon. Minister of Women’s Affairs Ms. Chandrani Bandara Jayasinghe, Her Excellency Ms Robyn Mudie, the Australian Ambassador and UN Resident Coordinator Mr Subinay Nandy also spoke at the event.

There was a greater participation of many political figures including the Hon. Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody, Hon Minister for Media Gayantha Karunathilake, Women’s caucus members Hon. State Minister of Children’s Affairs Ms. Rosy Senanayake , Hon. Minister for Foreign Employment Ms Thalatha Athukorala, Hon. Deputy Women’s Affairs Minister Ms. Vijayakala Maheswaran, Hon. MP Dr Sudharshani Fernandopulle, Hon. MP Ms. Upeksha Swarnamali, and Hon. Deputy Minister of Justice Mr Sujeewa Senasinghe, , Hon. Minister Eran Wickremaratne, Hon. MP Thilanga Sumathipala, Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya, Parliamentary Deputy Secretary General Mr Neil Iddawala and Assistant Secretary General Ms. Kushani Rohandeera to mention a few.

A pledge by the caucus was read and handed over to the Hon Prime Minister, by Hon Minister Rosy Senanayake and Hon MP Dr Sudharshini Fernandopulle on behalf of the parliamentary Women’s Caucus.

With the support of  the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka, the main event was telecasted live on  national television which has the largest island wide coverage. Our Executive Director, Mrs. Thushara Agus represented the organisation at the event. Awards were handed out to several women in the fields of art, entrepreneurship, social work, education, journalism and many more.