“She is the Forward Path of the Nation” – International Women’s Day National Celebration Held in Matara
[Matara | March 08, 2026]
The National Celebration of International Women’s Day 2026 was held today at the Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Hall, University of Ruhuna, under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. This year’s theme, “The Pride of a Rich Country – She is the Forward Path of the Nation,” highlighted the government’s commitment to empowering women as active partners in national development.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs and the Sri Lanka Women’s Bureau, bringing together over 1,500 women representing community organizations from Galle, Matara, and Hambantota.
Women: The Unshakable Strength
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Minister of Women and Child Affairs, delivered a powerful message:
“A woman is not just a gender label; she is a synonym for the immense strength that can stand unshaken against any challenge. Our women crossed oceans to sustain this nation during its darkest economic hours. The era has now arrived to give true value to every tear and drop of sweat they shed for this country.”
Challenging Social Perspectives
Deputy Minister Dr. Namal Sudarshana emphasized the need to dismantle unfair social biases:
“We have taken up the challenge to correct the unfair societal views built on flawed gender classifications. Moving beyond narrow attitudes to recognize a woman’s true humanitarian strength is our primary philosophy.”
Key Highlights of the Event
Awards for Excellence: 25 outstanding female entrepreneurs, selected from across the island at the district level, were honored for their contributions.
International Support: Entrepreneurs empowered through the joint mechanism of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Ministry were also recognized.
“Kantha Saviya” Magazine: A special edition of the magazine was launched and presented to the Prime Minister and other dignitaries.
Guest Lecture: Dr. Chandima Gayathri Wijesundara, Head of the Department of Sociology at the University of Ruhuna, delivered a keynote address on women’s empowerment.
The ceremony was attended by Governor of the Southern Province Prof. Susiripala Manawadu, Minister Sunil Handunnetti, Ministry Secretary Tharangani Wickramasinghe, foreign diplomats from Indonesia and Vietnam, and representatives from the UN and various NGOs.
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The 05th day of the professional journey that began with the guidance of giants in the media field! 🎬🎙️
Senior Professor Sunanda Mahendra, former Head of the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Kelaniya, a father of mass communication education in Sri Lanka, veteran lawyer Nimal G. Punchihewa and Professor Prathibha Mahanamahewa, a popular lyricist and author, State Literary Awardee and former Head of the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Professor Praneeth Abeysundara, who is a recipient of the prestigious “Bunka” award from Japan, and a popular singer and author, began the “Supplementary Media Ethics and New Communication Training Program” at the Asidisi Center with the participation of scholars such as Senior journalist San Wijethunga, a symbol of credibility in the Sri Lankan television and radio industry /👨🎓 Editor | Editor-in-Chief | Senior Journalist | Scriptwriter | Television and Stage Actor | Drama Director | Media and Publicity Consultant, Visionary Daya Sri Narendra Rajapaksa / 🎭 Veteran freelance journalist, documentary film producer and founding member of the BBC Sinhala Service, writer Nandana Weeraratne / 📡 Deputy Director General of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, veteran senior journalist Colvin Jayaweera, nourished by scholars such as..
Inviting you all to the successful 05th day…!
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📅 Date: 13 March 2026 (Friday)
⏰ Time: 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM
📍 Venue: Colombo Public Library Auditorium
🌐 For registration visit: https://newsandimage.org/media-studies-training/
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වාර්තාකරණය: NANAYAKKARA GEEGANAGE DUSHAN INDIKA