Sajith pledges scholarships and legal support for women

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says women’s rights must not be limited to speeches or a single day of commemoration but should be protected through concrete action throughout the year.

Speaking at the International Women’s Day celebration organised by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the Samagi Vanitha Balawegaya at the Nelum Pokuna premises in Colombo today (08), Premadasa said the country must work towards ensuring women’s rights are upheld 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

He said the SJB would establish a special Women’s Task Force aimed at strengthening efforts to protect and promote women’s rights in Sri Lanka.

Premadasa also announced the launch of a university scholarship programme for female students under the “Jana Nala Liya” initiative.

He said the programme would support women’s welfare, women-centred development and livelihood strengthening, while a national grassroots network would be implemented across 14,008 Grama Niladhari divisions and more than 50,000 villages over the next two years.

The Opposition Leader also pledged to introduce programmes to support women facing exploitation through microfinance loans, including providing legal assistance to women trapped in high-interest debt.

Premadasa warned that rising poverty, economic challenges and global conflicts were placing increasing pressure on households, with women often bearing the greatest burden.

He said women play a key role in managing family welfare and finances and therefore policies must focus on empowering women while also protecting the rights of children.

Premadasa added that the SJB would continue advocating for national policies to address issues such as women’s health, economic empowerment and protection from violence. (Newswire)

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