'Lanka has highest rate of female literacy in South asia'

"As the President of the Housewives' Association, I am happy to address you on this very important occasion. As a housewife I understand the difficulties that I have gone through and the problems of women in Sri Lanka, especially the female workers. states the President of the Housewives' Association of Sri Lanka Rajeshwari Nonis in a message to mark International Women's Day which fell yesterday.

We are happy that Sri Lanka has the highest rate of female literacy in South Asia. Also, Sri Lankan Women enjoy many more facilities when compared to other third world countries. But we have a long way to go to realize fulfil our aspirations.

We have had the first-ever women Prime Minister in the world. We have the First Lady who is charming and an inspiration to all the women in Sri Lanka. We are also fortunate to have an energetic President whose "Mahinda Chinthana" is the Beacon Light to our nation.

As members of the Consumer Affairs Authority we are entrusted with a lot of functions and responsibilities. It is our paramount duty to facilitate the customers to enjoy a healthy life. The Authority will do its best to ensure maintaining prices at competitive prices and have adequate access to goods and services. On this occasion, I request you to cooperate with the Consumer Affairs Authority in achieving its objectives.

The Authority has made arrangements to form 1000 consumer associations so that consumers position will be strengthened. The Authority will also conduct a Consumer Rights Clinic and a Legal Clinic to educate the business community today.

May I request you again to lend your wholehearted cooperation to the Consumer Affairs Authority to help all of you".