In pictures: Seminar and discussion on women’s participation in politics in Sri Lanka
by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai
“We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated”~ Maya Angelou (1928-)-Poet, dancer, film producer, television producer, playwright, author and actress
Women represent 52% of Sri Lanka’s total population of 20, 217,000 (2008 census) according to the Department of Census and Statistics of Sri Lanka, and 56% of registered voters.
There are only 11 women Parliamentarians out of the total 225 members in Sri Lanka, which is less than 6% according to a recent survey carried out by the Women and Media Collective.
39% of women are represented in Bangladesh Parliament and 28% women Parliamentarians in Pakistan.
A Seminar and Discussion on Women in Politics in Sri Lanka was organized by South Asian Women in Media (SAWM) Sri Lanka Chapter on March 2nd, 2010.
The event was organized to mark the Centenary Celebrations of International Women’s Day, which will fall on March 8th 2010.
Professor Kamala Liyanage of Arts and Political Science Department of Peradeniya University, and the Chairperson of Vizhuthu Shanthi Sachchithanamdam delivered the key note speeches followed by a discussion.
The South Asian Women in Media (SAWM) Sri Lanka Chapter was inaugurated on 19th May 2009.
Professor Kamala Liyanage from Arts & Political Science Department of Peradeniya University,Vice President of South Asian Women in Media Anoma Rajakaruna,Committee Member of South Asian Women in Media Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai and the Chairperson of Vizhuthu Shanthi Sachchithanandam
The Chairperson of Vizhuthu Shanthi Sachchithanandam addresses the gathering
Section of audience
Professor Kamala Liyanage of Arts & Political Department of Peradeniya University making her keynote address
Another section of the audience
Chandrika Soysa, Member of Maharagama Municipal Council-SLFP and Dr.Nimalka Fernando scanning and sharing their thoughts from a magazine
Chandrika Soysa,Member of Maharagama Municipal Council,SLFP addresses the gathering
Samanmali Gunasingha,Member of Dehiwala and Mount Lavinia Municipal Council-JVP addresses the gathering
U.D.M. Seelawathi, Leader of Uva Wellassa Agricultural Women’s Society addresses the gathering
Dr.Nimalka Fernando addresses the gathering
During an interactive session
This Seminar was held at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKIIRSS).
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HumanityAshore.org ~ Email: dushi.pillai@gmail.com
Dear Comrade Dushi Pillai,Thanks for your valuable information.The Srilankan women must search and fight for their leadership with the progressive ideology.
Dear All
we have to be grateful to all giving us such a opportunity. And hope yours a success.