Large number of social service programmes for women

Mohammed Naalir

Social Services and Social Welfare Minister Lionel Premasiri said a large number of social service programmes have been organised throughout the country to empower women and recognise them as an integral part of society. These programmes will be carried out with private sector participation.

Through such programmes the recognition of women in society will increase thus giving due recognition to their contribution to the country’s wellbeing. The main programme of the International Women’s Day will be held at Gangarama lake on March 12. Addressing the media at Government Information Department Auditorium Minister Premasiri said five women will be felicitated for their services to the country.

The five women to be honoured are Sapthala Deepakanthi for taking Major General Parami Kulathunge to hospital when he was caught in a LTTE bomb blast in Pannipitiya, Nadeeka Jeewanthi who over came a physical disability to become a teacher in a High school, Wickramanayake Pathirannehelage Pathmalatha for protecting a mother and infant when the birth took place in a train from Ganemulla to Colombo, Swarna Agnus Sirilath Wendalan for rescuing seven people from drowning and J.A.Malkanthi for preventing a two and half years old child from falling to its death at a school.

The Minister said the programme is only an initiative. A large number of social service programmes have been organised throughout the country with the participation of leading business institutions.

Senior DIG Sirisena Herath said the police are doing its best to help women who are subjected to harassment.

He said several cases of sexual abuse against women have been reported from the Kurunegala, Ratnapura and Anuradhapura districts. Reporting the most number of cases, of the nearly 700 cases of sexual abuse from the Ratnapura district, around 600 have been by teenage girls.

He said nearly 900 cases of sexual harassment have been reported from Kurunegala and over 800 of the alleged victims are below 18 years.

The Navaloka Hospitals has organised a mobile health clinic at the Gangaramaya on March 12 from 8 am to 2 p.m. to coincide with this event. An employment fair titled “Rekhiya Piyasa” will also be held on this day at the same venue which would provide job opportunities for women. Ravi Maskorala (MAH) and Geetha Perera also spoke.