Speaking at a Women’s Day event organised by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna in Matale to mark International Women's Day, Rajapaksa highlighted the role and sacrifices made by women in society.
He said mothers and wives play a crucial role in holding families together during difficult times, noting that the burden of rising living costs and economic hardships is often first felt within the household.
Rajapaksa also referred to the period of the civil war, stating that many mothers endured immense suffering when their children were sent to the battlefield.
He said that the end of the war under former President Mahinda Rajapaksa allowed thousands of young people to live without fear, adding that mothers and daughters in the country had made significant sacrifices for that freedom.
Emphasising the importance of respecting women in society, Rajapaksa said the values of respecting mothers, wives and sisters help shape a society that truly values its country.
He added that political parties and governments should give greater attention to the challenges faced by women and recognise their contribution to the country’s social and economic stability.
