4 December 2023 01:31 pm Views - 1148
By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana
“A woman can only earn the rank of Major, especially in the army. However, the government is looking towards changing military laws so that women could head the three forces,” the Minister said speaking during the committee stage debate.
“Sri Lanka is yet to give equal status to women in many aspects. It was Bikkuni Sangamitta who brought the sacred bow sapling to Anurdhapura. However, no women are allowed into the ‘Udumaluwa’ of the Sri Maha Bodhi. It was Princess Hemamali who brought the Sacred Tooth Relic but women district secretaries do not have the voting rights when electing the Diyawadana Nimale, the lay custodian of the Sri Dalada Maligawa. It is time that these traditions are changed,” he said.