"Unite to help end war" - CBK at International Women's Day celebrations
[04 Apr 2001]

President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga yesterday called on all women in the island to shed political differences and work with the government to help end the 18 year old ethnic conflict which has claimed over 60,000 lives.

"I urge all women in the country to leave behind all their political differences, and rally round the government to put an end to the war and build a peaceful Sri Lanka," President Kumaratunga said.

The President made this request when she addressed over 5,000 delegates from women's organisations at the National Ceremony to mark International Women's Day at Moneragala.

She also said that the majority of women in this country have suffered enormously and lost their loved ones due to several years of fighting in the north and east of Sri Lanka.

She also admited that a number of programmes have been initiated for the betterment of the lives of all women in the country.

Today especially, the women who are employed in the Middle East, Plantation sector and apparel sector make a significant contribution to the country's economy.

President Kumaratunga further said, "Thus it is the government's duty to look into the welfare and the well-being of these women." She also said,"Plans are under way to provide the basic facilities such as hostels, water, electricity and hospitals for women in the apparel industry. The Ministry of Labour has commenced a programme to provide a special training to women who seek foreign employment."

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