A delegation of women farmer leaders from the Women’s Collective for Economic Rights met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s office to discuss longstanding challenges faced by women in agriculture across the island. Representing regions such as Vavuniya, Monaragala, Polonnaruwa, and Bogawantalawa, the delegates shared their concerns and proposed solutions, supported by the Law & Society Trust, which organized the meeting on behalf of the women farmers.
The discussion addressed critical issues, including the microfinance credit crisis, legal obstacles to securing land rights for women farmers, and infrastructure challenges—particularly affecting Tamil women in the hill country (Malayaha). Additional legal and social issues uniquely impacting women were also highlighted.
Prime Minister Dr.Harini Amarasuriya acknowledged that many of these issues align with the government’s manifesto and assured the delegates that steps would be taken to develop actionable policy plans. The women leaders submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister, outlining their grievances and proposed solutions.
Earlier in the day, the National women farmer’s conference, organized by the Law & Society Trust under the theme "Women Transforming the Food System," was held in Colombo. Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, attended as the chief guest, during which members of the Women’s Collective for Economic Rights presented their proposal to him as well.
Prime Minister’s Media Division