SLFUW celebrates International Women’s Day with Ambitious Programme

The Sri Lanka Federation of University Women (SLFUW) launched an ambitious programme to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) well ahead of March 8, with a series of projects in line with this year’s UN theme of “Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress.”
President of SLFUW, Colonel Dr. Udula Krishnaratne, explained that in practical terms this means, ‘Inspire the Inclusion of Women in Every Field’ to forge a better world. This conveys the need to ‘provide women and girls with access to quality education and training.’ 
Thus, the SLFUW has planned to award 16 scholarships to underprivileged female undergraduates from State Universities, of which one was awarded in advance on 27th February to a student in dire circumstances due to health problems in the family. The other 15 scholarships will be awarded to coincide with IWD celebrations. 
A Career Guidance Course for university students will also be carried out to develop their personality and social skills, thereby enhancing their prospects of employment.
School girls in different age groups and at Advance Level will also be beneficiaries of a similar scheme whereby they would develop the knowledge and skills to face the future, in the University or outside.
In February 2024, The SLFUW visited the Kandauda Panguwa National School in Siyambalanduwa, a low income area in the Moneragala District, and made a monetary contribution to procure technical items for its newly constructed Three Dimensional Open-air Mathematical Laboratory. Scholarships were also awarded to four female students who were most in need, on the recommendation of the Principal. 

On February 29, the President and a few Council Members visited the Dewamulla Temple in Kalutara District for yet another welfare project. Ven. Nahalle Wajiragnana Thero, Chief Incumbent of the temple, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ruhuna, had scoured Govinna, the adjacent poor village, and selected women and children from the most poverty-stricken families to be recipients of the welfare packs. Apparently, the escalating cost of living had brought them to destitution. They received a bag of dry groceries, a month’s supply of more than 20 essential items from rice to washing soap, and a donation in cash as well. The children received a pack of educational equipment and a cash donation too. A donation was made for the medical expenses of the priests in the temple.
Last but not least was the SLFUW’s tree-planting campaign in its premises in Colombo in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. A variety of plants, including jak, bread-fruit, cashew, mango, avocado and king coconut were planted so that future generations can enjoy the luscious fruits of our motherland.
The SLFUW sends its Greetings to women all over the world – be they young or old, rich or poor, black or white – with the profound wish: May every day be Women’s Day!