The SLFUW celebrates International Women’s Day

Members of the panel at the SLFUW Women’s day

Part of the audience

The Sri Lanka Federation of University Women (SLFUW) celebrated International Women’s Day on March 7 at its auditorium in the office premises in Kitulwatte.

The event was attended by academics, professionals, and other members of high achievement, including four past presidents of the SLFUW.

Subsequently SLFUW President Engineer Lakmini Nonis delivered her address at the event, with a warm welcome to the three guest speakers. This year’s UN theme for International Women’s Day -- ‘Give to Gain’ -- has been the Federation’s mission in practice, she stated. She extolled the services rendered by the SLFUW during its 85 years of existence, to help not merely graduate women, but also the poor, the disadvantaged  and physically impaired women and children of Sri Lanka.  

Awarding scholarships to undergraduates

Notwithstanding, so much more needs to be done for their uplift, and it’s mandatory that university women play an important role in advocating, promoting and ensuring the rights of women in our country, she added.

The chief guest on this occasion was Professor Chandrika Wijeratne, a towering figure in Sri Lankan higher education, currently the Vice Chancellor of the SLTC Research University and formerly Vice-Chancellor of the University of Colombo. In her speech, Professor Wijeratne drew from her experiences with the ‘girl child’ and women in Sri Lanka, and the pathetic, helpless, horrific situations some of them are exposed to. She pointed out that being vulnerable, they need protection, justice, and empowerment, which is a continuous process. 

Consultant Radiologist Dr. Lilangani de Silva gave a power point presentation of the history of the IWD movement, and spoke on the topic ‘Do you regret being born a woman? Apparently not.’. Dr. Krishanthi Anandawansa, Senior Lecturer in English at the Kotalawala Defence University, provided an insightful perspective on the evolving role of women in specialised sectors, and the intersection of education, discipline, and career longevity.

In accordance with the ‘Give to Gain’ policy, three scholarships were awarded to undergraduates who were severely affected by Cyclone Ditwah. 

Head of Academic Affairs and Senior Lecturer at Curtin University, Colombo Anjali Gamage  compered the proceedings, while Rukmani  Samaranayake  delivered the vote of thanks. It included a tribute to American-born educationist Clara Motwani, and her team of selfless, educated ladies who set up the SLFUW in 1941 to further the welfare of women in Sri Lanka.