Prime Minister Calls for Greater Investment in Women’s Leadership at Commonwealth Forum
November 03, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has called on Commonwealth nations to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action to advance women’s rights, leadership and economic empowerment, warning that gender equality is essential to building a stable and sustainable future.
Delivering the keynote address at the opening plenary of the Commonwealth Women’s Forum on Monday (2 November), under the theme ‘Advancing Gender Equality: Investment in a Prosperous and Resilient Commonwealth’, the Sri Lankan Prime Minister highlighted the growing importance of women’s participation in decision-making and leadership.
She noted that the challenges confronting the international community, including political tensions, climate-related disasters, technology-driven harassment and gender-based violence, require comprehensive responses that recognise the different circumstances faced by women across the world.
Dr Amarasuriya particularly drew attention to the difficulties experienced by women in developing countries and vulnerable island nations, arguing that meaningful progress would remain elusive unless long-standing inequalities restricting access to financial resources, leadership opportunities and personal security were addressed.
On climate change, she called for a stronger commitment to climate justice, advocating direct funding without additional debt burdens to support locally driven projects and initiatives that benefit vulnerable communities.
The Prime Minister also underscored that achieving genuine equality would require cooperation beyond government institutions. She urged civil society organisations, businesses and communities, including men and boys, to become active participants in challenging discriminatory practices and creating lasting social change.
In a significant announcement, Dr Amarasuriya confirmed that Sri Lanka would host the 14th Commonwealth Women’s Affairs Ministers Meeting (WAMM), providing another opportunity for member states to strengthen cooperation and develop practical measures to improve the lives of women and girls.
She concluded by urging Commonwealth leaders to translate their pledges into tangible outcomes, stressing that every woman and girl should have the opportunity to enjoy greater independence, security and economic prosperity.
The opening session was attended by Queen Camilla, the Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General and several senior representatives, dignitaries and delegates from member countries.
Dr Amarasuriya is currently visiting Antigua and Barbuda to take part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026, where discussions are centred on shared priorities and cooperation among Commonwealth nations.
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