Former Member of Parliament Hirunika Premachandra launched a sharp criticism of women representing the ruling party, accusing them of failing to stand up for the public during Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis.
Speaking at an event held to mark International Women’s Day, Premachandra contrasted the role played by women from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) with those currently in Government.
She said that during the height of the crisis — when the country faced severe shortages of fuel and cooking gas and prolonged power cuts — women from the SJB had actively taken part in protests and public campaigns.
“When we went in front of the Presidents’ houses and raised our voices demanding justice, not a single woman who is now in the ruling party in Parliament was there. They were all under their beds,” she said.
Premachandra further alleged that despite being in power for nearly two years, the current administration had failed to take meaningful steps to advance the rights and future of women.
She claimed that instead of introducing policies or programmes aimed at empowering women, the Government was gathering large groups of women at events without presenting a sustainable plan to address their concerns.
Premachandra also raised concerns about what she described as the politicisation of independent bodies, stating that the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus was no longer functioning as an independent platform. She also referred to the recent resignation of the Chairperson of the National Women’s Commission, alleging political interference.
Referring to Sri Lanka’s political history, she noted that the country had produced the world’s first female Prime Minister, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, and said that previous administrations had implemented policies that strengthened women’s participation in the workforce.
Premachandra also credited former President Ranasinghe Premadasa with introducing policies that expanded employment opportunities for women through the garment industry, while highlighting the introduction of the 25% quota for women in local government.
She urged women to remain vigilant and to unite in safeguarding the country’s future, warning that political decisions made without a clear vision could negatively affect the next generation.
