Saroja Paulraj: chairperson of Women MPs’ Caucus
The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of the 10th Parliament met for the first time at the Parliamentary complex under the patronage of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.
According to a Parliament statement, the Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Saroja Paulraj, was elected as the new Chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus during the meeting.
Her name was proposed by MP Samanmalee Gunasingha and was seconded by MP Anushka Thilakarathne.
Additionally, two Deputy Co-Chairs were elected. The name of MP Chamindrani Bandara Kirielle was proposed by MP Rohini Kumari Wijerathna and was seconded by MP Thushari Jayasingha. MP Samanmalee Gunasingha was also elected as a deputy co-chair, following the proposal of her name by MP Krishnan Kaleichelvi and her seconded name by MP Deepthi Wasalage.
Addressing everyone present, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya 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 Paulraj expressed her aspirations for the Caucus, underscoring the vision of creating a nation where every woman feels safe and secure.
The Caucus also established a subcommittee, led by the two Deputy Co-Chairs, to review and report on future programs and initiatives.
Additionally, upon a proposal by MP Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, it was decided to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Dec. 6.
Deputy Chairpersons of Committees Hemali Weerasekara, the Secretary to the Caucus, and the Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera were also present at the Caucus meeting.
The session was also 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.