Many of our government officials are afraid of everything, unable to take bold decisions or are unmotivated. They should listen to the experiences of these women achievers and learn about their courage – their ability to overcome many obstacles and achieve. This was stated by Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
The ceremony to present the Ariyathai Award for Women Achievers was held at the Bandarawanniyan Conference Hall of the Mullaitivu District Secretariat on Saturday morning (16.08.2028) under the chairmanship of Mullaitivu District Secretary, A. Umamaheswaran.
In his speech, the Governor said, “There is nothing we cannot achieve. With determination, anything is possible, and we can see it through to completion. Unfortunately, many of us lack the will and the courage. These women have proven otherwise. If every village had women like them, that village would develop on its own.
I have mentioned many times that everything depends on leadership. Where leadership fails, the organization is heading towards collapse.
If you are honest, there is no need to fear anything. Criticism comes only to honest people. There is no need to fear the criticisms that come on social media. Today, many people are dishonest, so they come together and smear honest people. Those who are honest do not need to fear, worry or pay attention to these.
The District Secretary of Mullaitivu, A. Umamaheswaran, is an excellent administrator who thinks innovatively and has organized this award ceremony. Mullaitivu has abundant resources, yet it remains the first in poverty. If our officials pay proper attention, this situation can change. Under the present government, it will be easier for us to advance development initiatives,” he said.
I have served as District Secretary in four districts in the North, including this one. At that time, I was unable to carry out certain developments. I accepted the post of Governor with the intention of developing our province—I did not come here to sit idle and leave. Some of the developments that could not be achieved when I was District Secretary are now becoming possible in this district. I have unwavering faith that Mullaitivu will evolve into a fully developed district within the next 10 years,” said the Governor.
The Honorable Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, was the Chief Guest, the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, Mrs. Thanuja Murugesan, was the Guest of Honour, the Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, M. Nanthagopalan and the CEO of Chrysalis, Mrs. Ashika Gunasena, also participated as special guests at the event.
The Lifetime Achievement Ariyathai Award for the year 2025 was received by S. Akilathirunayaki from Mulliyawala, the Best Female Leadership Ariyathai Award was received by Mrs. Michael Thiagaraja Juvarani Punitha from Pudukkudiyuruppu, the Best Female Entrepreneur Ariyathai Award was received by Mrs. Sathyananantham Sobana from Thunukkai, the Best Female Social Worker Ariyathai Award was received by Mrs. Vigneswaran Jagathambigai from Manthai East, the Best Female Changemaker Ariyathai Award was received by Mrs. Vimalasena from Welioya, and the Best Young Female Entrepreneur Ariyathai Award was received by Mrs. Kirushanth Mithusa from Oddusuddan. Many more women achievers were also awarded certificates.
It is noted that the event also featured experience sharing by women achievers.
