Sri Lankan Embassy celebrates:

International Women's Day in Kuwait

The Sri Lanka Embassy in Kuwait celebrated the International Women's Day on March 8 presided by Ambassador Sarath Dissanayake at the Embassy premises with the participation of over 500 Sri Lankan Women workers and well-wishers.

This is the first time that the Embassy has celebrated the International Women's Day in Kuwait with the participation of a large gathering of women including Kuwaiti nationals who have taken a great interest in the event.

The event was organised by the Embassy Seva Vanitha Unit (Women's Welfare Unit) with the active support and guidance of its President Ramanika Dissanayake and members including K. Herath, Counsellor of the Labour Section and S. Halwatte, Secretary of the Unit.

The celebrations began with the hoisting of the National Flag and singing of the National Anthem followed by lighting of the traditional oil lamp by the Seva Vanitha members.

Two minutes silence was observed in memory of the fallen national heroes. The welcome speech was delivered by Ramanika Dissanayake, the wife of the Ambassador, in which she highlighted the importance of the occasion for women all over the world towards the recognition of their contribution to society and for their protection against discrimination and violence. She said, "this year's theme 'Stop Violence Against Women' is very relevant for the world in which we live today and bring to the attention of the civilized world the urgency of taking tangible and meaningful action to project and care for the women, who are the main source of Sri Lanka's national income."

Counsellor of the Labour Section Kalyani Herath spoke about the history of the International Women's Day and outlined the contribution made by women to the economy of Sri Lanka which is heavily supported by women workers employed in garment, tea plantations and foreign employment sectors. Over 110,000 women are employed in Kuwait and their grievances and welfare are the main concerns of the Government and the embassy in Kuwait. She appealed to all women to work for their rights and welfare.

A special song written by Minister Counsellor of the Embassy Sunil Sarath Perera 'dedicated to Sri Lankan women' was sung by women specially trained for the occasion.

"The Woman's Declaration" was read out by P. Gnanalatha. A special tribute was paid to Chandrani Amarasinghe the warden of the safe-house for her loving care and commitment towards the safe-house inmates. The vote of thanks was proposed by S. Halwatte, Secretary of the Seva Vanitha Unit.