Assistant High Commission of India, Kandy(Sri Lanka)

International Women's Day 2024

International Women’s Day 2024

Assistant High Commission of India

Kandy

Press Release

International Women’s Day Celebration

1. AHCI organised a series of events to celebrate International Women’s Day. The main event was held on Wednesday, 6^th March 2024 at Sahas Uyuana, Kandy with ‘Inspire Inclusion’ as the campaign theme. The event had participation of around 400 women from all walks of life.

2. Hon’ble Members of Parliament Mrs. Thalatha Athukorala and Mrs. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, Chairman of Indira Cancer Trust Dr. Lanka Dissnayake, Director General of Royal Botanical Gardens Mrs. H.C.T. Jayaweera, Hon’ble District Secretary of Matale Mrs. Thejani Thilakarathnea, Mrs. Sudharshini Mallikarachchi – Secretary of Ministry of Culture, Mrs. Malathi Amarasinghe, Deputy Municipal Commissioner Kandy Mrs. Indika Abeysinghe, Ms. Niranjani Shanmugaraja, Artist, Army personnel, senior government officials, artists, media representatives, entrepreneurs and women representing various NGOs attended the event.

3. The event comprised different components including dance performance from Girls High School, Kandy, breast cancer awareness programme by Indira Cancer Trust and awareness session by Revlon. AHCI Kandy extended assistance to Sri Lankan para-athlete Ms. Janani Dananjana who clinched the gold medal in Women’s Long Jump at the 4th Indian Open National Para-Athletics Championship 2022 in Bangalore, India. Uniforms were distributed to female vendors of Hela Bojun Hala at Sahas Uyana, which functions as a community kitchen supporting small scale female entrepreneurs. Fuel coupons were distributed to female Tuk drivers of Kandy. Revlon and Sahas Uyana, Kandy collaborated with AHCI for the event.

4. Addressing the gathering, AHC Dr. Athira S. highlighted the relevance of women empowerment and gender neutrality. Hon’ble Members of Parliament Mrs. Thalatha Athukorala and Mrs. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna underlined the strength, resilience & achievements of women in different spheres of life. Actress Ms. Niranjani Shanmugaraja stressed on women empowerment and assimilation of innovative ideas by women across the two countries.

5. As a part of celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, AHCI Kandy in collaboration with Central Provincial Council organized free medical screening camp for the women working in the sanitary service of the Central Provincial Council on 27^th February 2024 at . Hon’ble Governor of Central Province H.E. Mr. Lalith U. Gamage, AHC Dr. Athira S., Secretary, Ministry of Women, Child Affairs & Social Empowerment, Ms. Charitha Illangakoon, and eminent Doctors joined the inaugural ceremony of the event. Around 200 women attended the camp.

6. As a continuation of assistance programs in estate sector, AHCI Kandy in collaboration District Secretariat, Matale and Department of Ayurveda, Central Province organised Ayurveda Medical Camp at Midland Estate, Rattota on 8^th March 2024. Health check-up and necessary Ayurvedic medicines were given to over 400 women free of cost. Additional District Secretary, Matale Ms. Rismina Riyaldin and a team of doctors headed by Dr. Nadeera Udagedara, Community Medical Officer, Department of Ayurveda, Central Province were present.

7. AHCI Kandy also celebrated International Women’s Day 2024 at the Chancery on 8^th March 2024 and felicitated lady staff of the Post for their dedication and enthusiasm towards work.

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Kandy

09.03.2024