A discussion was held between the Hon. President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus recently (06) in Parliament regarding the Bills on the establishment of a National Commission for Women and Gender Equality which is to present to the Cabinet and Parliament thereafter.
The powers, functions and appointment of members of the National Commission for Women and the content of the Bill on gender equality were discussed at the Committee meeting held. The Hon. President said that these Bills should be presented to the Cabinet and the Parliament as soon as possible and for that purpose, he would give his full support.
The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus pointed out the need to increase the representation of women in the political process in this country. The inclusion of 50% female representation in the national lists prepared by the respective parties for the parliamentary elections was also discussed. The Hon. President was of the view that the matter should be discussed with the party leaders.
In addition to this, the inclusion of mandatory women’s representation in commissions operating in this country was also discussed. The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus presented facts that the establishment of day care centers and breast milk distribution centers affiliated to government institutions can encourage young parents in government service, to which the Hon. President agreed to it and presented his proposals on the same.
The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus also presented its views to the Hon. President on the importance of mandating regular vocational training courses and a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) certificate for expatriate workers.
Hon. President Ranil Wickremesinghe mentioned that a common administrative structure should be prepared by bringing together all the vocational training institutes operating in the country.
In addition to the Bill for the establishment of a National Commission for Women and the Bill on Gender Equality, the Bill on Empowerment of Women was also discussed at length.
Hon. (Dr.) (Mrs.) Sudarshini Fernandopulle, Chair of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus, Minister Hon. (Mrs.) Pavithradevi Wanniarachchi, State Ministers Hon. (Dr.) (Mrs.) Seetha Arambepola, Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Samanmale Kumarasinghe, Members of Parliament Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, Hon. (Mrs.) Thalatha Athukorala, Hon. (Mrs.) Rajika Wickramasinghe, Hon. (Mrs.) Manjula Dissanayake were present at the Committee meeting held.
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