The main Opposition United National Party (UNP) yesterday decried the exclusion of former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and impeached Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake from an official list of Women Achievers while it carried the name of UPFA MP Upeksha Swarnamali.

UNP MP Ajith P. Perera told a news conference that an official publication had been issued by the Ministry of Childcare and Women’s Affairs listing the top women in the country based on their achievements, but the names of Ms. Kumaratunga and Ms. Bandaranayake had not been mentioned in it though they had made significant achievements as women.

Mr. Perera showing a copy of this publication to the media at the news conference said it was questionable as to why the names of country’s first female executive president and first female chief justice were omitted from it.

“One can’t figure out why these two names were omitted as both these women had made significant achievements and served the country. It is true that we criticise Ms. Kumaratunga for all the shortcomings and mistakes she made during her tenure, but as a woman she brought some honour to Sri Lanka by being twice elected to the highest position of the country, and it should be regarded as an achievement,” Mr. Perera pointed out.

“In the same manner, 43rd Chief Justice Ms. Bandaranayake too brought honour to the country by becoming the first female chief justice of the country, but her name has not been mentioned in this publication. The exclusion of Ms. Kumaratunga and Ms. Bandaranayake from the list of women achievers is all the more surprising because it carries the name of UPFA MP Upeksha Swarnamali,” he said.

Copies of this publication had been distributed free of charge to schoolchildren who visited the Deyata Kirula exhibition.(Yohan Perera)