The Power of Purpose

Tamil Women’s Union Honours Four Icons as it marks International Women’s Day on Sunday

A prestigious evening at the Cinnamon Grand to recognize the philanthropists, artists, and pioneers shaping the modern Sri Lankan landscape

The Sri Lanka Tamil Women’s Union will celebrate International Women’s Day on Sunday, 22nd March 2026 at the Mahogany Hall, Cinnamon Grand, commencing at 6.30 p.m., followed by dinner. The event will honour four ladies who have achieved great heights in their varied professions. They are: Mrs. Yogeswari Wijeyaratnam, Ms. Swarna Mallawarachchi , Ms. Shera Hassen and Mrs. Shanthini Dinesh. The guest speaker at the event will be Ms. Poongkothai Chandra Hasan.

The Sri Lanka Tamil Women’s Union was founded on 4th January 1909 by Dr. Mary Ratnam, a Canadian who married a Sri Lankan, with the noble objective of fostering Tamil culture, language, arts, and social service. 

Under the patronage of the Sri Lanka Tamil Women’s Union operates the renowned Kalalaya School of Dance and Music, established in 1948. We are proud to note that Jawaharlal Nehru, the late Prime Minister of India, was present at its opening ceremony. Biodata of IWD recipients.

The Chief Guest for the evening will be His Excellency Mr. Santosh Jha, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka and Mrs. Tanuja Jha. His presence will add great honour and distinction to this special celebration recognizing the remarkable achievements of women.
We would be deeply grateful if you could kindly publish this event in your esteemed newspaper, helping us share this meaningful occasion and celebrate the inspiring contributions of women to our society. 

Mrs. Yogeswari Wijeyaratnam nee Storer, Philanthropist 

Mrs. Yogeswari Wijeyaratnam was born in Vaddukodai, Jaffna in 1941. She studied at Jaffna College and then went onto do a degree in physics and mathematics. Thereafter at the age of 22 she joined Bishops College as a senior teacher and taught there for twelve years until she married her husband Jeyam Wijeyaratnam. She began helping him as a full-time businesswoman and together they built up a successful coconut enterprise dealing with the manufacture and export of coconut products. 

After his demise Mrs Wijeyaratnam set up a trust called the Jeyam Wijeyaratnam Fund. Her husband’s vision was to set up a cancer hospital in his birthplace Negombo. He was unable to realize this in his lifetime so after his death Mrs Wijeyaratnam made it her mission to build a fully equipped cancer hospital. Finally in 2022, a 125-bed hospital in Ragama was handed over to the Ministry of Health designed in line with the charity Maggie framework where nature is brought close to the patient. 

Apart from this Mrs. Wijeyaratnam believes that education is the cornerstone of progress and the development of character. As a result, she spends a great deal of time providing for and working with needy children as a patron of the school in Negombo set up by her father-in-law Mr. S. K. Wijeyaratnam. She has also sponsored students from very poor backgrounds who have qualified for the engineering and IT faculties of the University of Colombo Mrs. Wijeyaratnam is involved in temple and religious activities at the family temple which is also one of the most patronized temples in Negombo. 

Ms. Swarna Mallawarachchi, actress

Ms. Swarna Mallawarachchi is a truly remarkable Sri Lankan actress, often called the “Golden Star of Sinhalese cinema.” She started her acting journey as a schoolgirl, making her debut in the Sinhalese film 

Sath Samudura (1966), directed by Dr. Siri Gunasinghe. Since then, she’s graced the screen in over 68 films. Her roles have always been deeply character-driven, not focusing on the typical scenes of running around trees or singing and dancing. What truly sets Swarna apart is her ability to choose challenging roles that push beyond the usual portrayal of a fragile, helpless woman, and her talent for creating strong, passionate characters. 

Dr. Lester James Peries, the father of Sinhalese cinema, has praised her as “Rare Talent” and an unparalleled character actress, highlighting her beauty and strength on the silver screen. This the 58th year of her career. She’s won 26 Best Actress awards! Beyond these, she has received over 20 life achievement awards both nationally and internationally and she had served on the jury panel for numerous international film festivals. She’s also been the UNHCR Ambassador for Women’s Rights in Sri Lanka since 2004. 

In 2025, Swarna made a stunning return to the silver screen in Asoka Handagama’s Rani. Swarna has navigated her film career with grace, but she’s also faced the challenges of being a woman, a working woman, and a mother. Her life has been quite complex and unconventional, from being a single parent, actress, and businesswoman to battling illness. 

Yet, she’s remained a strong and independent woman, emerging victorious and smiling through every challenge. 

Ms. Shera Hassen, Banker 

Ms. Shera Hassen, is the Vice President of the DFCC Bank. She is a distinguished financial sector leader with over 30 years of experience in banking strategy, governance, wealth management, and inclusive economic development. Her leadership integrates corporate excellence with structured social impact, with a particular focus on advancing women’s economic empowerment and sustainable community development. 

Internationally recognized for excellence in private banking, pioneered gender-responsive financial propositions ALOKA and Araliya institutional frameworks designed to strengthen financial inclusion, governance standards, and long-term economic resilience. 

Ms. Hassen, provides strategic support to Chambers and professional associations in designing and advancing women’s empowerment initiatives, championing gender equity, female leadership, financial inclusion, and sustainable enterprise development and support financial literacy for younger and many generations. 

Among her academic and professional qualifications are: MBA -AIB Australia, Master of Economics, University of Colombo, Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (UK) - Certified, Certified in Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering, Member - IBSL - Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka and Member ABE Association of Business Executives (UK). Ms. Hassen has also won multiple awards in many areas; however, the following awards have cherished her as a Sri Lankan recognizing internationally. Female Private Banker of the Year- Global Private Banking Innovation Awards (2020), Great Manager Award for mentoring and coaching - Colombo Leadership Academy, Social Service Leadership Recognition Award- offered by District 25 Gravenor and Zonta International (2024-2026) for contribution towards building a better world for women and girls. 

Mrs. Shanthini Dinesh, Senior Deputy Director of Customs

A proud alumna of Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya and currently serves as the Senior Deputy Director of Customs at the Information and Communication Technology Directorate of Sri Lanka Customs having 28 years of service.

She completed her Master’s in Public Management (with Merit) -Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration, and did her Bachelor’s Degree (first class) - B. com at the Bangalore University, India. 

The proudest moment of her journey in Customs was becoming the first female Chief Preventive Officer in over 200 years of Sri Lanka Customs history-a moment that filled her with pride and strengthened her commitment to perform her duties to the very best of her ability.

She has been a Toastmaster since 2017, and a member of the Sri Lanka Customs Toastmasters Club. She has played many roles in her Toastmasters journey. A highlight of her Toastmasters journey was being selected as a finalist at the International Speech Contest at Ovation 2023 of District 82. 

The quote that guides me through both professional and personal life is: “This too shall pass.”