Women given due place under this govt - Pavithra

Ridma Dissanayake

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is the only leader who granted the opportunity for women to get involved in politics without taking religion and race into consideration, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Women's Association Head, SLFP Deputy Secretary and Power and Energy Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said.

The SLFP is the only political party which has given a prominent place to female representatives. The contribution by the SLFP to strengthen women on the political stage should be appreciated, she said.

Addressing a leadership training programme for women at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, the minister said the SLFP is the most powerful political party in Sri Lanka.

The SLFP became the strongest political party in the country under the far sighted leadership of President Rajapaksa. No one can defeat the SLFP, she said.

Wanniarachchi said women in Sri Lanka suffered due to terrorism during the last three decades.

"These women are today involved in the country's development process while enjoying the peaceful environment in the country. Today's women play a vital role in the country's development process.

The participation of women in politics has also increased with the peaceful situation in the country," the minister said.

"President Rajapaksa is a leader who knows the correct way to lead Sri Lanka towards development.

We should follow President Rajapaksa who is guiding the country on the right direction," she said.

Prof Ranjith Bandara, Sugath Hewavitharana, Saman Weerawansha, R.H.Weeraratne, Southern Province Governor Kumari Balasooriya and MPs Kamala Ranathunga and Sudharshini Fernandopulle were also present.