“We are women who stand with iron strength. We are not ready to go down in the mud with pigs.” Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj issued a fiery rebuke in Parliament, calling for dignity, unity, and respect as women representatives fight to shape Sri Lanka’s future.
In a bold address during the debate on the second reading of the National Audit (Amendment) Bill and the approval of two supplementary estimates, Minister Saroja Paulraj declared that the dignity of Parliament must not be sacrificed for petty politics.
“We expect civilized politics. Laws and policies are formulated in Parliament. Today, instead of fulfilling those aspirations and maintaining minimum traditions, what is happening in this Parliament? We came with the people’s vote. That is why we speak for the people. There is no difference between men and women in politics,” she said.
Paulraj emphasized that the 20 women representatives in Parliament are committed to serving the nation with integrity. Rejecting insults and political mudslinging, she insisted: “We are not ready to go down in the mud with pigs. We are women who stand with iron strength. We cannot be stopped by insults.”
She also highlighted measures in the supplementary estimate, including a Rs. 5,000 allowance for pregnant women, noting that women MPs must remain united “like a wall” to secure space and voice for women in Parliament.
Her remarks resonated as both a warning and a call to action: women leaders will not be silenced, and their role in policy-making is essential to Sri Lanka’s future governance.
