Sri Lanka has seen a dramatic decline in its global gender equality standing, falling from 18th place in 2006 to 130th in 2025, according to new data presented by the United Nations Women programme.
The findings were shared during a recent meeting of the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, held in Parliament and chaired by Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj.
The UN Women delegation presented the main outcomes and recommendations of its latest research on gender equality in Sri Lanka.
The report focused on several key areas, including women’s economic empowerment, leadership and political representation, Women, Peace, and Security, and the prevention of violence against women and girls.
While the country has produced some of the region’s most influential women, the data showed a stark gap between male and female participation in governance and public life.
Chairperson Paulraj requested that the final report be submitted to the Forum, noting its critical relevance ahead of the upcoming national budget.
She also proposed that, beyond funding the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, all ministries allocate dedicated resources for women’s empowerment within their respective sectors.
The Forum also announced plans to conduct a comprehensive study—through the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD)—to examine the journey of women in Sri Lankan politics, from local government to the presidency.
The study will aim to identify systemic barriers and post-election challenges faced by women in leadership.
A separate discussion was held with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) on its initiatives to support women’s political participation.
The Chairperson invited IFES to submit proposals to contribute to the Forum’s ongoing work in this area.
MPs Hemali Weerasekara, Kaushalya Ariyaratne, Oshani Umanga, Krishnan Kalaichelvi, Thushari Jayasinghe, Thilakaratne, A.M.M.M. Ratwatte, Hasara Liyanage, and Ambika Samivel were also present on this occasion
