Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya delivers a powerful message on post-war healing, women’s leadership, and the fight against racism, urging Sri Lanka not to slide back into division and distrust.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that Sri Lanka must not allow racism or political division to reverse the progress achieved in recent years, emphasizing that women must now take the lead in safeguarding national unity and democracy.
She made these remarks while addressing the Mannar District Women’s Meeting held in Adambal, Mannar yesterday (15), highlighting the long-lasting social and emotional scars of war. According to the Prime Minister, women were never consulted when the war began, yet they continue to endure its consequences, from unresolved grief to economic hardship.
Speaking further, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said,
“The main problem in our country was war, violence, we looked at each other with distrust. We actually became a divided country because of the war. As a result, women faced the most problems. We know that the majority of women in the country are suffering without their mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters. We know that there are many women in this area who are suffering like that. Even though the war has ended long ago, that peace is still not in their hearts. There are still women who cannot find out what happened to their families. There are many women who are struggling to protect their families alone.
Our government is waging a big fight against racism. We know that everyone in this country wants to live safely and with equal rights. But still, racist camps are trying to create discord among each other. They do not want to stop corruption and protect democracy, enforce the law equally, and strengthen the economy. They do not want the power they need. Only to get. It is not for the general public, it is only for them.
A major part of those who have been beaten by racism are women. Should we allow them to divide and create discord again? No, it requires women’s leadership. Women, come forward to carry forward the change we have started. We still have a lot of work to do. We will not allow the journey forward to be reversed.”
Her speech framed women’s empowerment, reconciliation, and equal rights as central pillars in building a stable and inclusive Sri Lanka.
