UNP women’s manifesto pledges bigger role for women

Opposition UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday encouraged the participation of women at decision-making levels in all sectors while pledging to increase women’s representation in local government bodies, public institutions and parliament.

Addressing a ceremony to launch the UNP election manifesto for women, Mr. Wickremesinghe said the participation of women in the education and health sectors was high and it should be increased in other areas as well.

“Women play a significant role in society. Therefore they must be encouraged to reach further heights and must be given the support to do so,” the UNP leader said. He said stringent laws should be introduced to ensure that the rights of women were protected.

He said many women in the North and East had been severely affected by the war and that their needs had not been met. “These women must be provided with relief to get about their lives. The ones who represent the people in parliament don’t know how to address the people’s needs. I think they should work in the kitchen for a change,’ he said.

He said the UNP intended to provide Rs.1 million for each village that required development. “This will further develop the women and the society too will be strengthened as a result,” Mr. Wickremesinghe said.

Western Provincial Councilor, Rosy Senanayake said she was certain that Opposition leader Ranil Wickremasinghe would become Prime Minister and ensure the proper place for women in society. She added that one of the main factors mentioned in the Mahinda Chinthanaya was the promise to increase the participation of women in politics which she said had not been the case.

By Olindhi Jayasundere for DailyMirror