“Give women access to more credit, involve them Lanka’s economy”
Women should be given more access to credit to get themselves more involved in Sri Lanka’s economy, General Manager Human Resources at Brandix activates said Dinusha Jayamanne told the third annual ‘iLead Forum ‘celebrating the International Women’s Day, at the Galle Face Hotel Colombo on Friday.
Managing Director of Hemas Consumer Brands Sabrina Esufally stressed the need for increased budgetary support for education as without quality education, children face considerable barriers to earning potential later in life and by being well-educated they increase chances for better career opportunities.
She also laid emphasis on increased female labour participation, decreased government spending on unnecessary events and projects and the need for a policy change with regard to State Owned Enterprises (SOEs). The event was organized by NextGenSL in collaboration with Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom of Germany She spoke about the importance of financial stability for women, who make up a significant portion of Sri Lanka’s apparel industry. They should also be given better universal access to digital education. Country Head of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in Sri Lanka Wolfgang Heinze, said “The primary goal of the event is to show how women can lead a nation, if given access to decision – making platform and reasonable opportunities in governance”.
He also said that it aims to promote a positive climate and an open forum for civil discussion of opposing political viewpoints. Deputy Registrar of the University of Visual and Performing Arts Chani Imbulgoda discussed pressing issues like the country’s process and system development and the need to bring in technocrats, experts and management professionals to assist women. Suhani Kariyawasam highlighted the need to have equal access to the disabled community for education as doing so would provide them numerous opportunities to contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
She indicated in her speech that “differently abled people are not disabled but the people who corner them as disabled are the disables” she said. She said almost all disabled people can do everything as much as enable people or some can perform even better than them. Therefore the government should seriously consider this community for more opportunities.
Eight eminent women from a cross section of professional sectors presented their perspectives on how to rebuild Sri Lanka’s Future. Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media was the Chief Guest.