March 08, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared that his long-term vision is to shape Sri Lanka into a country recognised internationally for placing humanity and compassion at the centre of its national identity.
Speaking at an International Women’s Day event held in Colombo today (March 08), the President said Sri Lanka intends to demonstrate to the world that even in times of conflict and global uncertainty, the nation will stand firmly on the side of humanity.
He observed that although some nations enjoy greater economic prosperity, Sri Lanka hopes to earn global respect as a society where empathy, kindness and social responsibility remain deeply rooted in everyday life. According to him, the country’s true strength lies not merely in economic indicators but in the values upheld by its people.
President Dissanayake emphasised that women and children would play a central role in the government’s efforts to build a fairer and more compassionate state. He noted that policies aimed at social progress must prioritise those who have historically faced greater social and economic challenges.
During his address, the President also thanked the women of the National People’s Power movement for the support they extended during the political campaign that led to the present administration taking office. He remarked that the large turnout of women at the gathering reflected growing confidence in the government’s direction.
He further stated that a key objective of the administration is to create a future in which women are relieved of many of the social and emotional burdens they have long carried. Addressing the inequalities and hardships faced by women, he said, is essential for the country’s broader national development.
Turning to social concerns, the President warned that the spread of narcotics remains a serious threat, particularly to young people. He noted that the consequences of drug addiction often extend beyond the individual, placing immense emotional strain on families, especially mothers. In response, the government has launched an ongoing nationwide campaign aimed at eliminating drug trafficking and reducing substance abuse.
Education was another major focus of the President’s remarks. He acknowledged that many mothers prioritise their children’s schooling above all else and said the government intends to ease the financial and social pressures families face in securing quality education.
As part of this effort, he announced that a new series of education reforms will be introduced beginning with Grade 6 next year. The reforms are expected to reshape the system so that it not only strengthens academic ability but also encourages empathy, civic awareness and social responsibility among students.
The President also revealed plans for a new financial support scheme designed to assist women who struggle to obtain bank loans due to a lack of collateral. Under the proposed programme, the government would act as a guarantor for eligible borrowers, stepping in to cover debts in cases where repayment becomes impossible.
He pointed out that high-interest microfinance lending has severely affected many rural communities, where women often face overwhelming debt. In some cases, he said, the pressure created by these loans has led to tragic outcomes. The government therefore plans to introduce legislation aimed at preventing exploitative lending practices and protecting vulnerable borrowers.
Alongside these legal reforms, a new low-interest credit programme will be introduced to provide women with safer financial options, while authorities will monitor projects funded through these loans to ensure their success.
The President added that the Ministry of Women’s Affairs is already implementing assistance programmes to help women struggling with loan repayments and other financial hardships.
Addressing broader social challenges, President Dissanayake acknowledged that violence against women remains a serious concern. He stated that the government is prepared to strengthen existing laws if current protections prove insufficient.
Concluding his remarks, the President said the government’s intention in marking International Women’s Day goes beyond ceremonial recognition. Instead, he said, it represents a commitment to building a future in which women are free from the longstanding hardships and inequalities that have shaped their lives.
He also noted that certain long-standing cultural practices have historically placed women at a disadvantage. The government, he said, intends to introduce legal reforms to address these issues while ensuring that changes are implemented with sensitivity so as to avoid unnecessary social tensions.