The Women Parliamentarians' Caucus of the Tenth Parliament convened its first meeting yesterday (3 December) under the leadership of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya at Parliament. 

During the meeting, Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Saroja Savithri Paulraj, was unanimously elected as the new Chairperson of the Caucus. Her nomination was proposed by Samanmalee Gunasingha and seconded by Anushka Thilakarathne.

Two Deputy Co-Chairs were also elected: Chamindrani Bandara Kirielle, proposed by Rohini Kumari Wijerathna and seconded by Thushari Jayasingha, and Samanmalee Gunasingha, whose nomination was made by Krishnan Kaleichelvi and seconded by Deepthi Wasalage.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya lauded the notable increase in women elected to Parliament, emphasising the need for the Caucus to transcend political affiliations and work collaboratively for the greater good.

Chairperson Paulraj outlined her vision for a safer and more inclusive society for women, highlighting the Caucus’s role in achieving this goal. The group decided to establish a subcommittee, led by the Deputy Co-Chairs, to plan and oversee future initiatives.

Additionally, the Caucus agreed to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 6 December, following a proposal by Rohini Kumari Wijerathna.

The meeting was attended by a significant number of women parliamentarians, including Hemali Weerasekara, Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, Oshani Umanga, Geetha Herath, Hiruni Wijesinghe, and many others. The gathering underscored a renewed commitment to addressing women’s issues and enhancing gender equity in Sri Lanka.