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Lankan men and women obtained universal franchise same time

by Nadira Gunatilleke

Sri Lanka is the only South Asian country that obtained universal franchise for both men and women at the same time in 1931. Lankan women acquired this achievement because of their constant campaign led by persons such as Mrs. Agnus De Silva, Women's Affairs Minister Amara Piyaseeli Ratnayake said.

She was speaking at the 36th Biennial Conference of the Sri Lanka Women's Conference (SLWC) held at the BMICH, Colombo on March 27. The Minister said that although Lankan women acquired universal franchise in 1931 at present there are very few women involved in politics. The Women's Affairs Ministry has already taken several steps to increase women's participation in politics under its 100 Days Program. The UNF Government is also concerned about violence against women.

The Minister said: "It is very important to strength women's organisations scattered all over the country. Young women's participation in such organisations should be increased to educate them on social changes and other important facts related to family life".

She stressed the importance of including important sections of the society such as female university students, lady teachers and nurses in women's organisations.

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