Nation salutes mothers, widows of fallen war heroes - President

COLOMBO: “Women and children suffer most the consequences of strife or of terrorism. This I have often reiterated and it is because of this reason that I strive hard to end this conflict specially because of our women and children.

In this respect the whole country must take the responsibility to share the grievances of the widows and the mothers of fallen heroes who have made the supreme sacrifice to save our tomorrow, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the womenfolk at the ”Siriliya Saviya” programme held at Temple Trees last Saturday to mark International Women’s Day.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake, Minister Mervyn Silva, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Mrs.Wickremanayake, and high ranking officials of the three Armed Forces and the Police, were present.

Under the Siriliya Saviya programme, First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa donated Rs.5,000 to each of the 700 families. This was in addition to the providing of ambulances to the Trincomalee Navy Camp, and Colombo National Hospital.

Apart from that, 300 bags of cement for the construction of a new Police Hospital, a fire-fighting truck to the Tangalle Navy Camp and Rs.10 million towards the proposed Army Hospital at Anuradhapura,were made to mark the occasion. Minister Mervyn Silva made a personal contribution of Rs.100,000 to “Siriliya Saviya”.

Addressing those present at the occasion the President said: “I am specially appreciative of the services of women in politics and in the Security Forces.They are a very patient lot and have limited time to spend with their husbands and children. They leave home before their children wake up.”

“Under such difficult circumstances they have to take care of their households and the future of their children. We owe a great deal to our womenfolk”.

While conceding that it was little bit late the President said that he was still glad that he had the opportunity to address them,to whom the whole society should be grateful for the role they play: Even belated, I am pleased to address you today in commemoration of the International Women’s Day.

“A saying goers that only a woman can understand the pains of a woman and I believe it.”

“While appreciating the interest shown by you in organising the “Siriliya Saviya” programme,I am of the view that women’s participation in politics as well as in other social activities in our country is not adequate. Their participation in these fields must be increased,” the President said.

“According to The Buddha’s word, a society which protects its feminine gender will never perish. In that back-ground I pay my tribute to the “Siriliya Saviya” programme. Women can do much more than raising a placard for women’s rights. The “Siriliya Saviya” programme demonstrates that ability”, he said.

“Women compose more than 50 per cent of our population and they contribute more than 60 per cent to our national revenue.

It is the women in the garment industry,in foreign employment and in the estate sector who earn a larger share of our foreign exchange.In addition, an increasing number of women today join the Security Forces. Some women have taken to entrepreneurial pursuits”, the President said.

“Women’s enhance farsightedness and patience hold them in good stead in these fields. Likewise they are today in the forefront of sports, fine arts and academic activities.

Though they shine in these fields at the same time they never neglect their family responsibilities. I am in deed a lucky person to be the leader of a country inheriting such a worthy female population”.

“We are specially indebted to women who lost their offspring or husbands in the battle field.” I pledge you my whole-hearted dedication to make a secured future for you”, the President added.