October 13, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, has praised China’s ongoing dedication to promoting gender equality, describing its actions on women’s empowerment as both “significant” and “globally impactful”.
Speaking ahead of her planned visit to Beijing for a high-level international summit focused on women’s development, Amarasuriya highlighted China’s proactive stance and leadership in fostering progress on issues affecting women around the world.
In an interview conducted at the Sri Lankan Parliament, Amarasuriya emphasised the importance of returning to Beijing for this global gathering, nearly three decades after the city hosted a pivotal summit on women’s rights. “The discussions held thirty years ago in Beijing continue to resonate today,” she said. “It’s highly symbolic, and indeed powerful, that China is once again convening world leaders to address gender issues.”
The Prime Minister underscored the urgent need to integrate women’s perspectives into broader development efforts, warning that many women across the globe still contend with unequal access to economic opportunities. “Persistent disparities—such as low pay, informal work, and minimal social protection—undermine women’s contributions and restrict their full participation in public life,” she observed.
Amarasuriya called for comprehensive structural reform to tackle these inequalities. “True change cannot occur without ensuring that women have equal access to education, healthcare, and the economy. Moreover, their voices must be present at all levels of decision-making.”
She also commended China’s tangible progress in improving the status of women. “Today, Chinese women are more self-assured, independent, and visible in public and political spaces. That sense of agency is itself a form of freedom,” she said, noting that this evolution is a testament to China’s unique approach to societal transformation.
According to Amarasuriya, China’s political and economic systems have enabled it to address systemic barriers and support inclusive development. “Their efforts go beyond national boundaries. China’s willingness to take a global leadership role on gender issues is commendable,” she remarked.
Touching on the growing partnership between Sri Lanka and China, the Prime Minister expressed optimism about future collaborations, particularly in areas such as education and health—sectors with direct implications for women and children. “There are exceptional female leaders in China, and Sri Lanka, too, has seen a historic increase in women’s parliamentary representation. These shared advancements open doors for meaningful cooperation,” she said.
Amarasuriya also extended gratitude for China’s recent contribution of school uniform fabric to Sri Lanka, describing the gesture as “deeply appreciated” and a sign of enduring friendship between the two nations.
Looking ahead to the upcoming summit in Beijing, Amarasuriya said she anticipates rich dialogue and shared learning among global female leaders. “This will be my first experience participating in a global forum dedicated to women,” she said. “It’s a timely moment to reflect on the progress made over the past three decades—and to chart a course for a future in which women’s rights are firmly embedded in our development and policy priorities.”
She concluded with a call for renewed urgency and commitment: “The world needs to be reminded that gender equality is not a finished agenda. Women’s voices must not only be heard—they must shape the direction of our societies.”
