Let us provide an environment for women to live with honour and dignity

I am pleased to send this message of greetings on the occasion of the International Women's Day at a moment when the Sri Lankan nation is on the ascendance with a new vigour.

In my opinion commemorating this Women's Day under the theme 'Unite to end violence against women' is important to ensure the dignity, honour and security of the female community, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in a message to mark International Women's Day.

The President's message: "The mother occupies the foremost place in the family which is the strength of the social fabric. As envisaged in the Mahinda Chintana policy, the Government has taken steps to prepare the environment for her to live freely while ensuring her physical and moral security.

It is women who suffer most from terrorism, drugs and poverty.

Thanks to the Mathata Thitha policy of the Government, many women have found solace today. You are aware that measures taken to alleviate poverty has successfully made the lives of the people prosperous.

We have also being able to successfully eliminate terrorism which oppressed the society for nearly three decades.

The Government has liberated hundreds of thousands of women from the clutches of terror and taken measures to provide them security and welfare. I believe that all this would ensure women's rights.

When many countries including the developed ones are suffering from an economic crisis and terrorism, we as a nation has faced all such challenges and reached a victorious juncture in our history.

I hope all citizens would unite at this moment to ensure an environment for women to live with dignity and honour. I wish the International Women's Day celebrations all success."