International Women’s day was celebrated with the international theme of “Each for Equality” to encourage everyone to share responsibility through collective action for driving a gender-balanced world by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Vavuniya, District Secretariat on 10th of March, 2020 at the Cultural Hall, Vavuniya with the financial contribution of Central Bank of Ceylon, Reginal office, Kilinochchi and Taporopane Sea Food (Pvt Ltd).
Mr.R.Varatheeswaran, Secretary to the Ministry of Women Affairs, Cooperative, Social Service, and Industries chaired the event. Hon. Mrs. B.S.M. Charls, Governor Northern Province was the Chief Guest, and Mr.A.Pathinathan, Chief Secretary, Northern Province was the Special Guest at the event. Mr. S. Sathiyaseelan, Secretary to the Governor, Northern Province, Mr.L. Ilaangovan , Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Cultural Affairs, Sports and Youths Affairs, Ms. Rubini Varathalingam, Council, Northern Province, Government Agent of the Vavuniya District Mr.S.M.Saman Bandulasena, Ms.Sabarja Gunabalasingam, Assistant District Secretary, Vavuniya, Vavuniya, and Cheddikulam Divisional Secretaries, Ms.Uma Kandaiya, Retired Deputy Zonal Director, Vavuniya South, Heads of Departments of the ministry and staff, Women Development officers of Vavuniya District Secretariat, other invitees and the general public also participated in this occasion.
With the financial support given by the Central Bank of Ceylon, Reginal office, sales huts were provided to women entrepreneurs/societies who engaged by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs in income-generating activities for marketing and exhibiting their products within the cultural hall premises.
Best women entrepreneurs at the district and provincial level were honored and awarded with shields & certificates and with the financial support of Taporopane Sea Food (Pvt Ltd), cash prices also are given to provincial level best women entrepreneurs on Societies and Individuals basis like 1st Price Rs.25,000, 2nd Price Rs.15,000, and 3rd Price Rs.10,000. Girls from Vavuniya District Boxers Association who became the National level boxing champions were honored by the provincial council at the stage on this occasion.
Under a special loan scheme “Mahaleer Mahudam” which was launched in 2019 by Co-operative Department, Northern Province, five women thrift and credit societies from all five districts were issued with rupees one million each from the co-operative fund.
The motivational speech was delivered by Dr. Sarenya Sutharsan, Medical Officer in charge, Rural Siddha Hospital, Cheddikulam, Awareness speech about “Brest Cancer” was given by Dr. Sutharsini Vigneswaran, MO/NCD, to create awareness. The function brought to an end with the vote of thanks.
