The UNP on Monday launched their women’s manifesto titled "Vanitha Dirimaga" (Women’s path of courage), making it the first political party in Sri Lanka to commit itself to protect and improve the rights of women in the country by releasing a separate manifesto on women’s issues.

The special manifesto was launched at a function attended by women from all walks of life at the New Town Hall building auditorium in Colombo. The "Vanitha Dirimaga" proposes to establish a women’s council with 50 representatives from 50 areas of the country. Decisions on laws with an effect on women and on policy matters concerning women would be taken in consultation with this council. It will have the powers of a parliament committee.

The manifesto emphasise that all political parties should include at least 25% women’s participation at a decision making level and within three years laws would be implemented in that effect. It also endorses that all other organisations whether it be political, trade unions or village level welfare organisations should include 25% women’s representation.

It also pledges to establish a women’s centre called "Diri Piyasa" at least one in each electorate to advise and provide solutions to various problems faced by women. The manifesto proposes to appoint a female Deputy Labour Commissioner to look into female labour problems. Also to improve the female representation in top management level in government and private organisations. The enactment of the Women’s Charter is also cited in the manifesto.

UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing the gathering said that all important decisions in the country since independence for the empowerment of women, who constitute the majority of the population, were taken by the UNP governments. He said that from the establishment of the "Mahila Samiti" to a special ministry on women’s affairs were enacted by the UNP. He said that under a UNP government that would strive to find solutions to the burning problems of the country while seeing to an overall improvement of the economy, women would definitely benefit.

Indrani Iriyagolla of the "Eksath Lakvanitha Movement" the women’s front of the UNP said that a new age for the women of Sri Lanka would dawn with the fulfilment of the "Vanitha Dirimaga" to which the UNP has committed itself. President of the Lakvanitha movement Renuka Herath, Anoja Weersainghe, Rosy Senanayake, Kanthi Kannangara and Apsara Boteju also addressed the gathering. (KA)