Saroja Savithri Paulraj elected Chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus

The Women Parliamentarians' Caucus of the Tenth Parliament met yesterday (3) for the first time under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Parliament. Deputy Chairpersons of Committees, Hemali Weerasekara, and the Secretary to the Caucus and the Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera were also present at the Caucus meeting held.

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

Additionally, two Deputy Co-Chairs were elected. The name of Chamindrani Bandara Kirielle was proposed by Rohini Kumari Wijerathna and was seconded by Thushari Jayasingha. Samanmalee Gunasingha was also elected as a Deputy Co-Chair, following her name being proposed by Krishnan Kaleichelvi and was seconded by Deepthi Wasalage.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, addressing everyone present, emphasized the significant achievement of having a noteworthy percentage of women elected to Parliament by public vote. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of conducting the activities of the Caucus beyond political ideologies and fostering a collaborative spirit.

Chairperson Saroja Savithri Paulraj expressed her aspirations for the Caucus, underscoring the vision of creating a nation where every woman feels safe and secure. The Caucus also decided to establish a subcommittee, led by the two Deputy Co-Chairs, to review and report on future programs and initiatives. Additionally, upon a proposal by Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, it was decided to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on December 6.

The session was attended by several Parliamentarians, including Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, Samanmalee Gunasingha, Chamindrani Bandara Kirielle, Deepthi Wasalage, Thushari Jayasingha, Oshani Umanga, Dr.  Kaushalya Ariyarathna, Krishnan Kaleichelvi, Lakmali Hemachandra, Geetha Herath, Hiruni Wijesinghe, Anushka Thilakarathne, Sagarika Athauda, M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani, Nilusha Lakmali, A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe, Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Hasara Liyanage, and Ambika Samivel, among others.