The International Women’s Day was celebrated on 8th March 2010 by the  Sri Lankan Embassy Seva Vanitha Unit (Women’s Association) with a programme dedicated to women.  It is recalled that the Embassy Women’s Association celebrated this day for the first time  on  8th March 2009. 

This year’s programme was held at the Ambassador’s residence at which the Chief Guest was Her Excellency Sheikha Shua Al Salem Al Sabah, Hony. Chairperson of the International Women’s Group.  In addition, a host of dignitaries including wives of the Asian Ambassadors, Representatives of UN, women’s associations, civic groups, Kuwaitis, foreign nationals media etc. were present together with members of Sri Lankan associations.

The celebrations began with the lighting of the ceremonial oil lamp following which  the Chairperson of the Seva Vanitha Unit & Spouse of the Sri Lankan Ambassador, Mrs Ramanika Dissanayake delivered the welcome speech.     In her remarks, Mrs Dissanayake welcomed the guests  and added that their “presence is  a sense of courage and satisfaction to all”.  Appreciating those  great women for what they have done to inspire others around the world,  such as Madam Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the First Women Prime Minister in the world, she  paid tribute to all women for their commitment  and bravery and said  “they made us feel worthy of ourselves”. Elaborating further, she highlighted the activities undertaken by the Embassy  women’s association in Kuwait for the social emancipation of  women.  She also appealed to all women to join hands with one another and work towards making  a  real difference in the lives of all  in their own societies, work places and so on.

A special presentation was made by Mrs Anoma Upasena on “Beauty tips and the importance of the self-esteem and personality for  women”, which was well received by the audience. The Embassy Seva Vanitha Unit members briefed the audience on the life stories of  world renowned  Sri Lankan women and their role in women’s affairs. 

The event also featured  devotional songs played in praise of women and their contribution. The proceedings of the event came to a close after the guests and staff partook in snacks & refreshments . 

The event was compered by Ms. Lakmini Wijekoon.

Parallel  to the main event held at the residence, the Seva Vanitha Unit also commemorated the day at a ceremony organized for the inmates at the Embassy Safe House.  The programme featured songs, poems, presentations etc by the inmates to highlight the  social responsibility of Sri Lankan women toward their family welfare and country’s development.  A special presentation was made by Mrs. Kalyani Herath, Minister Counsellor  on the role of Embassy for the female expat community.

Light refreshments were served at the end of the programme organized by the Warden of the Safe House, Mrs. Chandrani Amarasinghe and  the inmates. 

Sri Lanka Embassy
Kuwait
08.03.2010