We stand here representing all women in this nation -PM

While addressing the audience, the Prime Minister stated:

"I am delighted to see that the audience is filled with sisterly representatives. This is the change we have made. I would like to extend to everyone a Happy Women’s Day.

I recall that a year ago, on March 8, we stood together in protest at the Polduwa Roundabout. That day, we were attacked by water cannons. Minister Sarojini Paulraj, MP Samanmalee Gunasinghe, and I stood atop a barricade, raising our voices, and 17 more female Members of Parliament, who protected us at that time, are now in Parliament. Seeing them in Parliament today fills us with immense joy.

However, they are alleged to have committed the offense of breaking flower pots and are currently facing court proceedings. Moreover, our esteemed member Vraie, who is positioned to become the Mayor of Colombo, is also a key figure in the pending court case. Electing women as representatives in Parliament is not enough—we must also unite to ensure sister Vraie becomes the Mayor of Colombo.

The journey we initiated was not an easy path. These victories can be praised and celebrated, but they were achieved through a long and hard struggle. This journey has a deep history. There are members who postponed their marriages, sacrificed their lives, and put their families and children second in fighting against social injustice.

Today, as we celebrate our achievements, we must never forget that we are standing on the sacrifices, tears, and struggles of those before us. A future cannot be built by forgetting history. This is not the victory of a race; rather, this lays the foundation for a beginning. The struggle we initiated and our engagement in politics are not about gaining titles or entering Parliament. These positions are responsibilities, but they do not mark the end of our ultimate goal. Our goal is to bring about social transformation—to create a community that upholds compassion and unity, where no one is left behind, and where all individuals are respected and feel safe. These goals have yet to be fully achieved, and there is still a long journey ahead. However, we have reached a significant turning point in this struggle.

We may have assumed power, but we must never forget the purpose of forming the present government and assuming these titles. There is still much more to be achieved. We have only just embarked on this journey. I believe that our sisterly representatives are our greatest strength in this cause. We are dedicated to representing you. The transformation we have achieved is the result of your collective efforts. Your efforts have initiated the current political shift, and as your representatives, we are determined to uphold our responsibility to ensure the continuation of this transformation. We are faced with the task of rectifying many political mistakes of the past. While correcting these past mistakes, we are guiding the country toward a future where everyone can lead dignified lives. This is a shared responsibility for all of us.

As we engage in discussions with you in different forums, we have repeatedly stated that women must unite to witness and rewrite a transformative future. Today, you have taken on your responsibility to rewrite history. You are now a powerful force influencing the future direction of this country. Our esteemed member Bimal said that our struggle is to ensure that women are recognized as citizens of this country. Women are already involved in the economy, culture, and social fabric, yet we have often been denied our rightful recognition as citizens. What we seek is a society where women are acknowledged as equal citizens, where no space is off-limits simply because of gender.

Our goal is to build a society where being a woman is not seen as a limitation, where women are not attacked, and where gender is not a barrier to opportunities. This process is complex, and it is not something that can be achieved overnight. Women are diverse, shaped by different ethnicities, languages, religions, and social classes. The opportunities and limitations women face in life differ for many reasons. However, we hope for a collective journey—where no one is left behind. Women are often the ones who take the lead in maintaining relationships. This is driven by compassion. Thus, our vision is to create a compassionate society, where compassion is seen as a universal human trait rather than just a feminine quality.

Our vision is not just about taking the lead in this transformation—we are striving to become the most powerful force in this cause. As we continue on this long journey, it is essential to celebrate our victories, as we do today. Today is a day when we can cheer and rejoice, but we must never forget that this is not the end. There is still a long path ahead. Winning elections does not mark the end of this cause. The transformation that this country needs must be achieved through the power we assume from winning those elections. I extend my best wishes that all of you find the strength and courage to carry this cause forward. You are our greatest strength. It is through you that we remember why we wake up every morning.

The event was attended by Members of Parliament Kaushalya Ariyaratne and Samanmalee Gunasinghe, as well as General Secretary of the JVP Tilvin Silva, Colombo Municipal Council mayoral candidate Vraie Kelly Balthazar, and other party members.