UNP to better the lot of women, children

BY BHARATHA Malawaraarachchi

THE UNP will take meaningful steps to resolve the problems faced by women and children while laying emphasis on improving the country's economy, Rosy Senanayake, member of Lak Vanitha, the UNP's women's wing and member of the UNP's Working Committee told a press briefing yesterday.

She explained that the People's Agenda which is the election manifesto of UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has clearly set out a clear program of action for the welfare of women and children.

Senanayake recalled that Free Trade Zones(FTZ) and foreign employment for women which have today become main sources of national income commenced during the UNP regime.

"It was the UNP Government which created these job opportunities helping both the national economy by bringing much valued foreign exchange to the country and also strengthening the women of this country."

She noted that UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has decided to implement a program to provide facilities and ensure the welfare of women working at the FTZ and securing foreign employment.

She explained that empowering women would strengthen the family and in turn the whole country. "Women are playing a pivotal role in the country's economy and the UNP will lay special emphasis on strengthening the women and thereby ensure the well-being of the family."

Senanayake stressed that the UNP would pay special attention to improve the health condition of the women and children. "It is evident that women - specially pregnant mothers and children are not receiving sufficient nutrition due to economic problems. We will change this and ensure that their health condition is improved."

She explained that the prolonged war and conflict had worsened the problems faced by women and some women have become the sole bread-winner of many families." We need to ensure their well-being. We will be implementing a special program for them."

While stressing that the UNP has always stood for the rights of the women, she said the UNP made efforts to bring in a women's charter but the UPFA did not implement this program. "The UNP will definitely bring in the Women's Charter to safeguard the rights of women." she said