Sunday Times 2
SLFUW celebrates International Women’s Day
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Prof Chandrika Wijeratne
The Sri Lanka Federation of University Women celebrated International Women’s Day on March 7 at its auditorium in Kitulwatte.
The event was attended by academics, professionals, and other members of high achievement, including four past presidents of the SLFUW.
Proceedings commenced with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp, the National Anthem, and a minutes’ silence, followed by a welcome dance.
Subsequently, SLFUW President Engineer Lakmini Nonis made her address, with a warm welcome to the three guest speakers and the assembled gathering. This year’s UN theme ‘Give to Gain’, has been the Federation’s mission in practice, she said. She extolled the services rendered by the SLFUW during its 85 years of existence, to help not merely graduate women, but also the poor, the disadvantaged and physically impaired women and children of Sri Lanka. So much more needs to be done for their uplift, and it’s mandatory that university women play an important role in advocating, promoting and ensuring the rights of women in our country.
Chief guest on this occasion was Professor Chandrika Wijeratne currently Vice Chancellor of the SLTC Research University and formerly Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo. Professor Wijeratne drew from her experiences with the ‘girl-child’ and women in Sri Lanka, and the pathetic, helpless, horrific situations some of them are exposed to. Being vulnerable, they need protection, justice, and empowerment, which is a continuous process.
Dr Lilangani de Silva, Consultant Radiologist, gave a presentation of the history of the IWD movement, and spoke on the topic ‘Do you regret being born a woman?’ Apparently not!
Dr Krishanthi Anandawansa, Senior Lecturer in English at the Kotalawala Defence University, provided an insightful perspective on the evolving role of women in specialised sectors, and the intersection of education, discipline, and career longevity.
In accord with the ‘Give to Gain’ policy, three scholarships were awarded to undergraduates who were severely affected by Cyclone Ditwah.
Anjali Gamage, Head, Academic Affairs and Senior Lecturer at Curtin University, Colombo, compered the proceedings, while Rukmani Samaranayake delivered the Vote of Thanks. It included a tribute to American-born educationist Clara Motwani, and her team of selfless, educated ladies who set up the SLFUW in 1941, to further the welfare of women in Sri Lanka.
