International Women’s Day, March 8, 2002 was celebrated with a meeting at Tower Hall, Maradana under the patronage of the Minister of Women’s Affairs. The theme selected was "promoting women for political representation." While this meeting was going on inside, hordes of women were out on the streets making all sorts of demands.

What was most ironical about the official function inside the Tower Hall was that the theme selected - "Promoting women and political representation" - did not fit into the actual activities implemented by the United National Party.

Some time ago, the UNP publicised a good women’s manifesto. Women were most pleased and indeed hopeful of a better future. But we have not seen much of the promises being carried out.

Women’s Watch