Prof. Neelika Malavige awarded by President Rajapaksa

A survey has revealed that the share of female labour in the total population is as low as 30%

When women are empowered in our country, the country will not be second to any other country in the face of any challenge 

Ten outstanding women professionals were felicitated by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Tuesday. The ‘Wise Woman’ National Programme was launched at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo with the intention of empowering women to the full potential and to get their contribution to the economy.  

The percentage of women in the country is 52%. However, a survey has revealed that the share of female labour in the total population is as low as 30%. The objective of the programme is to provide skills development and vocational training for women and get their contribution to the national economy. The programme is implemented by the State Ministry of Skills Development, Vocational Education, and Research and Innovation. 

Prof. Neelika Malavige, Dr. Asha de Vos, Kasthuri Wilson, Nipuni Karunaratne, Melanie Wagaarachchi, Pavithra Gunaratne, Rangana Weerawardena, Ayanthi Gunasekara, Nelka Shiromala and Thilanka Abeywardena were the women who contributed to the progress of the country by excelling in several fields.  

Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research and Innovation State Minister Seetha Arambepola stated that when women are empowered in our country, the country will not be second to any other country in the face of any challenge.  

Our country has a female workforce that is more valuable than gems unearthed and more valuable than oil reserves that may or may not be found, State Minister Arambepola said. She said that when the capacities of women are identified and recognised, they have the strength to be resilient even during a time of a catastrophic pandemic.  

Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, State Ministers Vijitha Berugoda, Piyal Nishantha, Ambassadors, government officials and women who have excelled in various fields were also present.