'Woman as terrorists' tool should be condemned by all'
Suharshi Perera
Women being used as a tool in terrorism should be condemned out
rightly, Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Seva Vanitha Unit Nelun
Goonetilleke said.
"Terrorists have brutally insulted the woman by using her as a
suicide bomber in the form of a pregnant mother. Terrorists do not
hesitate to use child soldiers and even mentally retarded women to
fulfil their evil ends and this should be condemned by all communities
and sections," Goonetilleke observed.
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First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa presenting Weera Matha award
to a mother who sacrificed all her children to protect the
Nation. Air Force Seva Vanitha Chairperson Nelun
Goonetilleke is also in the picture. Picture by Samantha
Weerasiri |
She was addressing the International Women's Day ceremony organised
by the Sri Lanka Air Force Seva Vanitha Unit in Colombo yesterday. First
Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa was the chief guest.
The contribution by women for the country's economic development is
vital as 90 per cent of foreign exchange flowing into the country
through women's labour. However, young mothers leaving for foreign
employment has become a serious social issue. The Government has taken
several action to remedy this unfortunate situation. Laws are formulated
to prevent mothers with children below five years leaving the country
for foreign employment, the Chairperson said.
She also said the media has significant responsibility in fighting
violence against women.
Mothers of War Heroes who have given all their children to the Armed
Forces were honoured with Weera Matha awards and cash donations. The
award of scholarships to children of disabled and fallen War Heroes and
the distribution of distress loans to Air Women were also took place.
Wife of the Defence Secretary Ayoma Rajapaksa, former Chairperson of
Seva Vanitha Unit Marian Goonetilleke, MP Nirupama Rajapaksa were also
present. |
