Female officers in Sri Lanka’s public administration receive strong backing from SLAS after social media remarks sparked outrage.
Female officers in Sri Lanka’s executive and regional administration have received strong support from the Sri Lanka Administrative Service Association after controversial remarks circulated on social media.
The Sri Lanka Administrative Service Association has issued an official statement expressing serious concern over various comments that question the professional competence and abilities of female officers serving in executive and regional administrative roles.
The media release, signed by Association Chairman Padma Sri Rohana de Silva and Secretary Neranjala Jayaweera, strongly rejected what it described as baseless statements.
The Association said its attention had been drawn to remarks made during a YouTube discussion involving two social activists, where it was suggested that “women are not suitable for regional administration.”
The Sri Lanka Administrative Service Association said it firmly rejects such comments, which it described as insulting and humiliating to the entire female workforce engaged in professional-level and executive-level duties.
The statement noted that the contribution made by women to Sri Lanka’s higher education, professional, and economic sectors has already been clearly demonstrated through their role in the national GDP and major foreign exchange-earning sectors.
It further stated that female officers holding the highest executive positions in the Sri Lanka Administrative Service, including Divisional Secretaries, have practically proven their ability to handle complex regional administrative responsibilities and public services with efficiency, impartiality, and quality.
The Association said misleading criticism that undermines and ridicules the professional leadership, administrative efficiency, and institutional management abilities of female officers cannot be accepted as consistent with professional ethics in a civilized society.
The Sri Lanka Administrative Service Association urged all parties to act responsibly and protect mutual respect when using social media platforms.
It further emphasized that steps must be taken to safeguard the dignity of female professionals who continue to play an important role in the country’s progress.
