The President said that the women’s contribution to society and the country’s economy is immense and added that as expatriate workers and apparel sector employees, they have helped increase the country’s foreign reserves.

The President also stated that he has decided to increase women’s representation in the legislature and added that women should be given their due place in society.

The President made these comments yesterday (08 Mar) at a ceremony held at the Singapore Hall at Siri Sanghabopura in Hambantota to mark International Women’s Day.

The President added that there is a remarkable increase of women's representation in all fields. The top positions in the judiciary and administration are held by women today, he said.

Referring to the world's first female Prime Minister, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, and President Chandrika Bandaranaike, President Rajapaksa said that there was an era in which Sri Lankan women were far ahead of other countries in terms of politics.

“We established a different Ministry for women as we had a clear understanding on the importance of women and the children in this country,” quoting the President Daily News reported.

The President added that the women should also be prepared to protect their place in society too.

President Rajapaksa emphasized that the Government gave the highest reward to women by eradicating terrorism from the land within a short period. He said women in Sri Lanka underwent a number of hardships and difficulties due to the war and the Government was able to relieve their burden by eradicating terrorism from Lankan soil.

The President stressed that a large number of women can now heave a huge sigh of relief after the Government curbed the illicit drug menace through the Mathata Thitha Program, Daily News reported.