Women’s day celebrations at Talawakelle ...

The International Women’s Day was celebrated by the Taklawakelle and Nuwara Eliya women. This event was organized by the Talwakelle Municipal Council Opposition Member Mr. Bharathi. The Chief Guest was Mrs. Shanthini Kongahage, President Lakvanitha Peramuna,Member Central Provincial Council.The Chief Guest in her speech said that it was only under the leadership of the late Hon. J R Jayawardena who with his political vision and close working relationship with the late
Hon. S. Thondaman fulfilled part of the aspirations of the Tamil plantation sector. It was during the regime of the United National Party that these stateless people were granted citizenship rights as well as development of their housing, medical, increased wages and other social aspects. A political relationship was built among all communities, irrespective of race or religion.
It is saddening to note that at this very time there is unrest among communities and religions, There are many serious incidents of such like occurring within the country and we do not see the authorities taking any steps to curb this violence which is rampant. There are some groups which are bent on disrupting the peace in the land.
As a woman leader I urge all women to be courageous and bold enough to come forward, especially those in the plantation sector. To the plantation women I say do not be scared you are women with many talents and skills, many of you are fluent in all three languages. But yet the main authorities are not giving them an opportunity to come forward. It is under the leadership of our Hon. Leader of Opposition Mr. Ranil Wickremesnghe we can foresee a brighter future for our people. It is only under his leadership that all minorities can get together with confidence since he respects women, youth and the elders. It is he who initiated the Violence against Women Commission. This Commission is working towards eradicating violence of any form against women. Under his leadership the women, youth and the plantation sector have been strengthened,
For the first time ever, this May 1st when we celebrate May Day, the day dedicated to all international workers we have organized three May Day Rallies. One for Youth which will be held in Badulla, one for Trade Unions in Colombo and the other for all organizations in Kurunegala. We are happy that again it is under the leadership of the Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe who is trying to work with all the different groups of people that this new aspect has been brought in.
It is not only on March 8 should we be remembering women, but every moment of our lives we should remember and do our best to release the women in bondage, who are downtrodden, and abused. We grieve for our sisters in the plantation sector who are the back bone of the country’s economy, who are mistreated in many ways. They have been deprived of their Samurdhi and all other benefits. Though the school going children had been promised educational relief and shoes none of these promises have been kept, they only remain false promises by the Government. Is there any one school that has received any of these benefits? They should not attempt to make fools of these innocent people but give them their rights and respect.
We stand together with our sisters and brothers of the plantation sector giving them the strength and support to come to the forefront where they belong.