Sri Lanka will see women leading Army, Navy, and Air Force soon, States Minister of Defence Pramitha Bandara Tennekoon said.
According to the Minister, currently, women can only attain the rank of Major, especially in the army. However, the government is actively considering amendments to military laws, aiming to empower women to head all three forces, the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
During the committee stage debate, the Minister said in Parliament that 'Sri Lanka still lacks gender equality in various aspects. Notably, Bikkune Sangamitta brought the sacred bow sapling to Anuradhapura, but women are currently restricted from entering the 'Udumaluwa' of Sri Maha Bodhi. Similarly, Swaranami played a crucial role in bringing the sacred tooth relic, yet women district secretaries do not possess voting rights in electing the 'Diawadana Nimale,' the head of Dalada Maligawa. It is high time to reconsider and reform these traditions,' he emphasized."
