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Focus on women

December 2001 was a moment of great change for Sri Lanka. Now we can dare to hope once more. There are many reforms needed to create a more equitable society and I intend to do my part to achieve this aim.

As a further step in these efforts, my New Year's message focuses on the much neglected area of women. From the New Year, institutions and corporations coming under my Ministerial purview will see greater representation from women. I will ensure that one third of the members of these boards will be composed of women. I invite those women with the technical knowledge and experience who wish to serve on such boards to write to me in confidence.

In February the Local Authority Elections will be held. A modest aim for political parties should be that at least 25% of their candidates are women. I urge all parties to introduce legislation to ensure such representation. Even without legislation political parties can show their good intentions by taking up this important new initiative.

There is much to do but together we can bring about a real change in our political culture.

May I wish you a happy and peaceful New Year.

Milinda Moragoda MP,

Minister for Economic Reform,

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