Women empowerment is not just a phrase; it is a revolution, a journey toward a world where women are free to dream, achieve, and lead without barriers. It is about breaking stereotypes, challenging norms, and creating a society where women’s voices are heard, their choices respected, and their ambitions encouraged. For centuries, women have fought against oppression, discrimination, and inequality. Yet, time and again, they have risen—stronger, braver, and more determined. Today, empowerment means more than just rights; it is about opportunities, representation, and true freedom. It is about ensuring that no woman is held back because of her gender, that every girl receives an education, and that every woman has the power to shape her own destiny. Empowerment begins with education, for knowledge is the key to independence. When a girl is educated, she not only transforms her own life but also uplifts her family and community. She becomes financially independent, aware of her rights, and confident in her abilities. But education alone is not enough. Women must also have equal access to opportunities in every field—be it politics, business, science, arts, or technology. A truly empowered society is one where a woman can be a leader without fear, a worker without discrimination, and a decision-maker without limitations. However, empowerment is not just about career success; it is also about breaking free from societal expectations that confine women to predefined roles. It is about giving women the right to make choices—whether they choose to be homemakers, entrepreneurs, scientists, or artists. True empowerment means respecting those choices without judgment. It is about dismantling biases that dictate how a woman should dress, speak, or behave. A woman should never have to prove her worth—she is valuable simply because she exists. In this special edition of our e-magazine, Empower Her, we celebrate the strength, courage, and brilliance of women from all walks of life. Through inspiring stories, thoughtprovoking discussions, and real-life examples, we highlight the incredible achievements of women who have defied the odds. From activists fighting for gender equality to innovators reshaping industries, from single mothers raising strong children to young girls daring to dream big—each of them is a testament to the power of empowerment. But women empowerment is not just a woman’s fight; it is a collective effort. Men, too, play a crucial role in supporting, uplifting, and advocating for equality. It is only when society as a whole stands together that we can create a world where women do not have to fight for basic rights but instead thrive with dignity, respect, and recognition. As you turn the pages of this magazine, we hope you feel inspired, motivated, and determined to be a part of this change. Whether you are a woman finding her voice or an ally supporting the cause, remember—empowerment is a journey, and every step counts. Together, let’s build a future where every woman stands tall, unafraid, and unstoppable. EmpowerHer
C O N T E N T Message from The President 03 04 05 06 08 17 41 50 72 84 87 93 95 100 ? About Sasnaka Sansada About EmpowerHer The team behind the pages Echoes of Her The Girl’s Perspective Her story Her Narrative Melodies of the Mind Through the lens Her roar Her voice, in verse Acknowledgement The Palatte
Sasnaka Sansada is a charitable social service organization committed to building a just and equitable society with strong human values. Founded in 1997 at Sri Sudassanarama Temple, Battaramulla, it engages in socio-religious initiatives to promote intellectual, social, and spiritual development. With community support, the organization empowers individuals through impactful projects, fostering wisdom, compassion, and ethical leadership. SASNAKA SANSADA FOUNDATION 03 At its core, Sasnaka Sansada believes in the power of collective action to rebuild a nation driven by belief and intellect. As a government-registered non-profit (GA/2762), it continues to lead efforts that enhance human morality and social balance. The organization welcomes individuals from all walks of life to join its mission of fostering positive change and contributing to a more harmonious society. By creating opportunities for education, humanitarian aid, and community-driven initiatives, Sasnaka Sansada remains committed to shaping a future where every individual can thrive with dignity and purpose. 1,000+ 2,000+ All Island Projects per Annum Active Volunteers 25 20+ Districts State & Private Universities
MESSAGE THE PRESIDENT from 03 The launch of the inaugural edition of our EmpowerHer E-magazine is undoubtedly a significant milestone for the Sasnaka Sansada Foundation. This special edition is not only a testament to the dedication and passion of our female volunteers but also marks the first-ever project led by an all-female team. Their hard work and commitment to this vision have made it possible for us to showcase the incredible efforts of our organization and the impact we continue to create in building a more just, equitable, and compassionate society. At Sasnaka Sansada, we have always believed in empowering individuals to become agents of positive change, and the dedication shown by our volunteers reflects this mission. With a focus on human values, morality, and social justice, we continue to work together to strengthen our communities. EmpowerHer is an initiative where we support girls and female counterparts in leadership and entrepreneurship, and pursue higher education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. The success of this E-magazine is entirely due to the dedication and brilliance of our female volunteers. Their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm inspire me and the Sasnaka Sansada movement deeply, and I am certain their impact will continue to inspire others. I invite you to read through this edition and be inspired by the stories, content, and ideas our girls have brought to life. Let this be a reminder that when we come together, regardless of gender, education, or background, we have the power to make a lasting impact. “Let us continue to walk this path of hope, resilience, and solidarity as we strive to build a brighter tomorrow.” Senior Economist & Attorney-at-Law, Senior Lecturer, International Consultant - Deloitte, Director - HNB Finance PLC, President - Sasnaka Sansada Foundation. Mr. HASITHA WIJESUNDARA,
ABOUT EmpowerHer 03 Project EmpowerHer is a cross-cutting project in Sasnaka Sansada with the purpose of empowering women to shape their futures while contributing to the educational, economic, and social progress of Sri Lanka in STEM education, leadership development, and entrepreneurship. The initiative is led by an all-female team of volunteers from different sectors across the organization. We believe in empowering women at every stage, sparking a ripple effect that drives change, opens doors, and creates new opportunities - ultimately achieving sustainable development and progress.
SAVITHI HANSADI “Beauty and brain comes with a loudspeaker “ COLOMBO DISTRICT CHENULI KULATUNGA "I’m pretty awesome at solving problems, just not the ones that involve MATH" COLOMBO DISTRICT JAYANI HALPAGE “I am a chill girl but always look at everything carefully” MATARA DISTRICT SEHASIE WIJEWARDHANA “Whirlwind of energy-whether lost in deep conversations, bringing laughter to any room, or talking so much that even echoes get tired!” COLOMBO DISTRICT NIKINI THARINDYA "I’m simple, but once I start talking, I can’t help but fill the room with stories and smiles." KEGALLE DISTRICT SAVINDYA WIJESINGHE ""I can go from 'work mode' to 'dance mode' in seconds. Multi tasking?, More like MULTI - VIBING.” COLOMBO DISTRICT SANDANI IRESHA “My secret weapon? A smile that never fades.” GAMPAHA DISTRICT From debugging code to debugging life—one test case at a time! ASINI PERERA KALUTARA DISTRICT CHAMODI SHASHINIKA "I may turn heads with my smile, but I’d rather be known for making people feel welcome, heard, and appreciated-because real beauty shines from the inside out." KURUNEGALA DISTRICT COLOMBO DISTRICT THISHMIE DISSANAYAKE “Love to embrace growth, laughter, and endless possibilities” ANURADHAPURA DISTRICT 03 Meet the Voices of Empowerment THE WOMEN Behind the Pages
DILMI EDIRIMANNA "I may look quiet, but I’ve got a heart that speaks louder than any smile." KALUTHARA DISTRICT UPEKSHA "UNJA's first magazine yayy" COLOMBO DISTRICT ABEYGUNAWARDENA HITHAISHI GUNASINGHE “I may always be late, at least I’m consistent.” KALUTHARA DISTRICT SANDALIE UPEKSHA “I’m so talkative that even my reflection gets tired of listening to me!” GALLE DISTRICT KITHMI BEDDAGE KALUTARA DISTRICT "Design with your thoughts" GETHMINI PRIYAVANDA "Pen as my sword and armor... ain't a damsel, I'm the knight doing the rescuing!" COLOMBO DISTRICT VEROSHA GAGANATHARA “A dramatic and clumsy being with common sense running on minus.” AMPARA DISTRICT SAJEEKA NILANDUWA “Fueled by creativity, passion, and the unstoppable drive to turn blooms into a legacy! “ COLOMBO DISTRICT DINETHRA SIGERA “Everyone gets mistaken me as Dinethra මල්ලි...” COLOMBO DISTRICT KENULI SAMARAWICKRAMA " I turn ideas into action and challenges into opportunities-with a smile!" KURUNEGALA DISTRICT NIPUNI RATHNAYAKE "I bring energy and positive vibes wherever I go, making every moment feel worthwhile!" NUWARA ELIYA DISTRICT DILANI SELKUMAR "I have a talent for misplacing my keys, but I always find them in the most random places!" KEGALLE DISTRICT Kavithya Balapatabendi “Lost in Creativity; Finding my self” GALLE DISTRICT DINAYA JAYASEKARA "Still on board" COLOMBO DISTRICT SETHINI MAHAGAMMULLAGE "I may be simple, but my heart is full of dreams and my soul knows no limits." COLOMBO DISTRICT PAMUDI JAGODA “In my simplicity, I shine brighter than the stars." GALLE DISTRICT 03
BREAKING BARRIERS in the CulinaryWorld An Exclusive Interview with As part of our "Echoes of Her" series, we delve into the journey of a remarkable woman who has carved her path in a male-dominated industry. Mrs. Iyanthi Goonewardene, Sri Lanka’s first female executive chef, has demonstrated extraordinary resilience and skill, proving that women can thrive in any profession. Her inspired story stands as an ocular proof on the empowerment of woman with a blessed masculine support which can completely make an epitome in life. In this mesmerizing conversation, she shares the highs and lows of her journey to encourage the younger generation to take bold steps toward their dreams. Could you walk us through your professional journey from how you got started to where you are today, along with the achievements or turning points that shaped your career? After completing my higher studies at Visakha Vidyalaya, Bandarawela, I joined the Ceylon Hotel School with the intention of finding a job in the tourism industry. In 1988, I began my culinary education there before migrating to Australia. This move provided me the opportunity to work and further my studies in the field over four years. Upon returning to Sri Lanka, I joined Grand Oriental Hotel (GOH) as a sous chef. Within six months, I was promoted to executive chef, marking a significant milestone in my life as Sri Lanka’s first female executive chef. In 2004, I took a leap of faith and established my own culinary school with 40 students. This decision became the turning point in my career, transforming me into a woman entrepreneur dedicated to shaping future culinary professionals. ECHOES OFHER CHEF IYANTHI GOONEWARDENE 03 Was there a particular experience, person or challenge that inspired you to enter this field? I wanted to specialize in housekeeping, but I had to give up the dream due to a very unpleasant incident that occurred at the hotel school. Because of that, I was pushed to do cookery, BREAKING BARRIERS
The hospitality industry in Sri Lanka is male-dominated, with very few female executive chefs. Have you encountered gender-based barriers or societal biases that made your journey more difficult? What strategies helped you overcome these challenges? This is a more general question that I’m curious about. Your journey over the past years has been far from easy you have faced numerous challenges, yet you stand here today as the first female executive chef in Sri Lanka and the managing director of Winston campus. There must have been moments when you felt desperate or on the verge of giving up but you persevered. What aspects of your work keep you motivated and how do you maintain your passion despite the obstacles? The Tourism and Hospitality industry is a broader service industry; hotels are one sector in the hospitality industry that provide food, lodging and other facilities to both local and foreign tourists. Working in a male-dominated environment was not a challenge for me because I never saw gender as a limitation in my profession. I never thought of myself as "a woman working with men", instead, I focused on my capabilities. Women naturally manage multiple roles in life, which equips us to handle various situations with strength and wisdom. However, maintaining a work-life balance was a challenge. Fortunately, my husband understood my career demands, which helped me maintain stability at home. I strongly believe that knowing where to set boundaries and asserting personal and professional respect are key to navigating a male-dominated space. Working in a maledominated environment was not a challenge for me because I never saw gender as a limitation in my profession. What motivated you to establish Winstone School of culinary art, which has now evolved into Winstone campus with its newest additions? Could you also share with our readers the different pathways they can explore at this institute? I have always had a passion for teaching and sharing my knowledge. I value freedom and independence, which motivated me to start my own training school for chefs. Over time, the demand increased, and I diversified into various areas within the field. Today, Winstone Campus offers a comprehensive training package that meets internationally accepted standards in hospitality and the shipping industry, and make such training available to a broader spectrum of educated unemployed youth. Contributing to the future I have been in this industry for 21 years, and when I look back, I feel proud of my achievements. I am immensely grateful to my staff and everyone who has supported me along the way. The most difficult period of my life was in 2023 when I lost my husband. His passing left me feeling empty and alone, and I was on the verge of giving up everything. However, I learned to face reality and embrace solitude. This period of reflection helped me develop inner strength, teaching me to remain calm amid chaos and make wise decisions without being overwhelmed. Those are the lessons that pave my path to become a stronger version of myself, and how you respond to adversity will define yourself. We all have flaws and make mistakes, nobody is perfect. 03 which ultimately inspired me to specialize in cookery. It was a blessing in disguise. My husband was my role model, and I followed his footsteps to become a strong leader in the industry. development of the industry internationally by producing exceptional individuals who have the requisite skills to meet the incessant demands of an ever-expanding industry. By providing jobs to the skilled workers abroad, ensuring that personal wealth growth of the individual is met and also bringing in foreign exchange to the country which is utilized for development projects to benefit the population. To develop staff and students who are socially responsible and are capable of being agents of change for the betterment of the tourism and hospitality industry in the local and international arena. With your vast experience in the hospitality sector and entrepreneurship, what is your message for the next generation of women professionals Disappointments, setbacks, and failures are a part of life. We all have flaws and make mistakes, nobody is perfect. What matters is learning to forgive ourselves and moving forward. We can always reprogram ourselves based on the lessons learned from past experiences.
03 Build good habits to grow yourself. Let discipline take control of yourself. Routines and systems can bring discipline to your life, and consistency can stabilize it. Let go of anything that does not bring happiness, and do not try to please everyone; it is impossible. Learn to say no when necessary and always make choices that align with your values. Wisdom comes through experience, so embrace every challenge as a lesson. Women's empowerment enables them to challenge gender-based power imbalances at home, in the workplace, and the community. What are your thoughts on the need for women's empowerment in Sri Lanka? Empowerment means people having power and control over their own lives. Women are the creators of society, and their empowerment is an essential contribution to the economy. In Sri Lanka, women make up over 50% of the population, yet gender equality remains a challenge. We should create a conducive working environment to act in favor of women's empowerment and gender equality. Equality is not a privilege, it is a right. Equality is not a privilege; it is a right. Empowerment is essential for confidence, selfesteem, and the ability to make positive life choices. This can be achieved through education, training, and awareness. Furthermore, we must address systemic issues such as laws, educational systems, political participation, violence against women, and human rights. Men also play a crucial role in gender equality, and raising awareness among them is necessary. Women have proven to be successful entrepreneurs and leaders despite historical suppression. It is time we ensure they are given equal opportunities in every field without discrimination. INTERVIEW & ARTICLE BY Thishmie Dissanayaka
You have had an inspiring journey in the banking sector, currently serving as Chief Manager of Sustainability, Women's Banking, and Corporate Social Responsibility at Commercial Bank. Can you share your career path and how you reached this position? 03 Empowering Women in ECHOES OFHER FINANCE A Conversation with MRS. KAMALINI ELLAWALA In "Echoes of Her" series, we are honored to feature Mrs. Kamalini Ellawala, a leader in the banking sector who is committed to empowering women through financial independence and sustainability. As Chief Manager of Sustainability, Women's Banking, and Corporate Social Responsibility at Commercial Bank, she has played a pivotal role in pioneering initiatives that uplift female entrepreneurs. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Mrs. Ellawala has navigated challenges as a woman in leadership and continues to drive meaningful change in the financial sector. In this conversation, she shares her journey and vision on women empowerment in Sri Lanka. My journey started with my school education in Matara. Through a scholarship, I moved to Devi Balika Vidyalaya, where I was actively involved in extracurricular activities and sports. I studied Sinhala, Political Science, Economics, and English for my A/Ls, which led me to the University of Colombo, Faculty of Arts. Simultaneously, I pursued law and attended Law College, obtaining qualifications in both fields. I initially aspired to join the foreign service, studying International Relations, Law, and Sociology. However, due to court cases affecting recruitment, I couldn’t take the exam. Instead, I worked as a lawyer for three years before Commercial Bank advertised for management trainees. That’s how my banking career began in 2004. I started in branches, underwent training, and gradually moved up. Later, I transitioned to HR when the department needed a legal officer. After six years, I sought a change, and the bank was initiating a Women Banking project in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). I stepped up for the role, and over time, my responsibilities expanded to include CSR, sustainability, and green financing. Today, I oversee all these areas. Find a system that works for you, accept that you can’t do everything perfectly, and seek help when needed.
What inspired you to specialize in women’s banking and sustainability? Was this always your vision, or did it evolve? Women in leadership roles often face unique challenges. As someone leading impactful initiatives, what were the key obstacles you faced in the industry, and how did you overcome them? 03 to success, regardless of gender. Ultimately, challenges exist, but the key is to remain focused on your values, goals, and the work at hand. That has been my approach throughout my career. It was not a planned decision; it evolved. I felt stagnant in HR and wanted a new challenge. When the Women Banking project came up, I was approached to take it on. Throughout my career, my motivation has been to do my best in any role. Even moving into HR happened because of an internal opening. Similarly, my transition into Women's Banking happened because I was willing to take the opportunity. Over time, responsibilities were added, and I continued to grow. I may not have started with a passion for banking, but I became passionate about impacting people’s lives. This role requires understanding people’s needs and aligning initiatives with the bank’s strategy. Today, I find inspiration in the positive changes I help create. Interestingly, I have never consciously felt disadvantaged as a female in my career. I always focused on my work and getting the job done rather than my gender. However, there were instances where my presence as a woman in a male-dominated environment was highlighted in subtle ways. For example, in meetings where I was the only woman, people would comment on my sari, hair, or lipstick rather than focusing on the agenda. I learned to smile, acknowledge it briefly, and then redirect the conversation back to work. Many of my superiors have been male, and such comments were commonplace. However, I never let them distract me from my purpose. My advice is simple: never focus on your gender. Be hardworking, be assertive, and set clear goals for yourself. Another challenge is the expectation of perfection. I am a hard worker and a perfectionist, which can sometimes be difficult for my team. I expect the same level of dedication from those around me, and I believe that hard work is the key The ‘Anagi Women’s Banking’ initiative has been a game-changer in empowering female entrepreneurs. What motivated the creation of this portfolio, and how do you see it helping women achieve financial independence? Women Banking has played a major role in empowering female entrepreneurs. Women’s workforce participation is crucial for economic growth, but in Sri Lanka, many highly educated women still choose to stay home, contributing through unpaid labor. Our Women Banking initiative provides financial solutions tailored to women, including Anagi Business Loans, Anagi Personal Loans, Savings Accounts, and Credit Cards. Since 2022, we have trained over 5,000 women, and we continue to expand this effort. When women gain financial stability, their families benefit from better education, healthcare, and living conditions. Research shows that financially independent women contribute significantly to lifting families out of poverty. Anagi Women’s Banking has been a key driver in this transformation. As a leader, what advice would you give to young women aspiring to take on leadership roles in the corporate sector, especially in traditionally male-dominated industries like finance? My advice is simple: never focus on your gender. Be hardworking, be assertive, and set clear goals for yourself. Resilience is key. People may try to pull you down, but your hard work and capabilities will help you rise above challenges. Identify your strengths, work on them, and never give up. Success comes from persistence and determination. It is also
Madam, this is a more general question which we are curious about. Balancing a demanding career with personal life is a challenge many women face. How do you maintain that balance? What advice would you give to other women striving for the same? 03 important to learn continuously. Take advantage of every opportunity to improve yourself, whether through formal education, mentorship, or handson experience. The more knowledge and expertise you build, the more confident you will be in facing challenges and asserting your place in leadership. Balance comes from delegation and having a strong support system. I empower my household staff and encourage my children to be independent. This allows me to focus on bigger things, such as their education and my career. There were times when my children were young that I sacrificed personal time, working late into the night after taking care of them. Looking back, it was all about planning and execution. Shortterm goals, like getting through the day, and long-term goals, like career progression, helped me stay on track. I also believe that women should not feel guilty for prioritizing their careers. Many women struggle with the societal expectation of being the primary caregiver while also excelling professionally. My advice is to find a system that works for you, accept that you can’t do everything perfectly, and seek help when needed. Ultimately, balance requires hard work, sacrifices, and setting clear priorities. With your experience leading sustainability efforts, what do you think Sri Lanka needs to do to accelerate action toward women’s empowerment? What gaps still need to be addressed? Many gaps in women's empowerment need to be addressed. One of the biggest barriers is the legal and procedural complexities that discourage women from starting businesses. Many women feel intimidated by financial systems and legal frameworks, which hinders their ability to grow as entrepreneurs. To close these gaps, we need a multi-faceted approach. Financial literacy must be strengthened at the school level. Legal protections for women need to be reinforced, and organizations should create more opportunities for women in leadership. Additionally, we must change societal perceptions. Many women are reluctant to report workplace harassment because they fear being labeled as troublemakers. Stronger legal frameworks and cultural shifts must support women’s safety and empowerment. Moreover, our country has historically had strong female leadership. Recognizing this strength and nurturing it through structured policies will ensure a more inclusive society. Women also need more access to mentorship and networking opportunities. Many successful women have the knowledge and experience to guide younger generations, but structured mentorship programs are still lacking. Creating these connections will help women navigate challenges and advance in their careers more effectively. INTERVIEW & ARTICLE BY Sandani Iresha
Tn .ek wms fmdâvla l;d lruq ECHOES OFHER .,amr yd iev /<s w;rs ka id¾:l;ajh lrd''' kfjdaoHd ;;air‚ iuÕ ixjdohla''' kdúl bxðfkare úoHd¾Óks weh" iys ks olks ka hs l"a iys ks yUd hkka hs l'a '' wo" úfYIa dx.h yd iïnkOa jkfa k"a lgkq dhl bxðfkra e ;dlIa K wdh;kfh"a kdúl bxðfkra e úoHd¾Ókhs ka w;ßka mu% Lq fhl'a .,ma r yd iev /<s w;ßka id¾:l;ja h lrd hd;d% lrk weh" kfjdoa Hd ;;ia r‚' "Echoes of Her" uu kfjdaoHd ;;air‚' jhi wjqreÿ úis folhs' uf.a .u .d,a, noafoa.u' uu .d$ l%sia;=foaj nd,sld úoHd,fha yd › yDoh lkHdrdufha isiqúhla' .‚; wxYfhka Wiia fm< yodr,d" fï fjkfldg lgqkdhl bxðfkare ;dlaIK wdh;kfha kdúl bxðfkare mdGud,dj yodrkjd' (Institute of Engineering Technology) (Marine Engineering) 03 bxðfkare ;dlaIK wdh;kfha kdúl bxðfkare mdGud,dfõ m<uq ldka;d ksfhdackhka w;r Tn m%uqLfhla' tA .ek fldfyduo Tng oefkkafka@ we;;a gu tA .ek i;g= la jf.ua kys ;udkS wdvïnrhla ;fs hkjd' biia ryg;a kdúl bxðfkra e lfa I;a h% ;<= ldk;a d kfs hdca kh jeä fjkjdg uu leu;hs 's óg l,ska kdúl bxðfkare mdGud,dj ldka;djkag újD; fkdjqfKa wehs@ tlA g fy;a = lmS hlua ;fs hkjd' mO% dk;u fy;a j= ;ud" wfma iudcfha f.dvla wh ;ju;a Ôj;a fjkfa ka mxq Ñ rdujq la we;f= <'a tfA lka t<hs g nyks ka " tfA lka t<hs g y;s kka " Bg tyd me;fa ;a ;fs hk f,dla h oel n,d.kka thd,d leu;s kE' iïmo% dfhka neyer fj,d fjkia úÈhg y;s kka thd,d nhh's tA kis d ;uhs .eyeKq wh lrkka ´k fï jf.a /lhs djl"a mßs ñ wh lrk /lhs d lrkka .eyeKq whg nE" .eyeKq whg fï jf.a /lhs dj,a .e<fmkfa ka kE" thd,d nnd,d n,df.k" li= ia fs ha jev lrf.k bkka ´k lhs ,d u;hla f.dv k.df.k tA rdujq we;f= <a Ôj;a fjkfa k'a t;A "a ÈhKq q rgj,ja , wh tfyu y;s kfa ka kE' tA rgj, .eyeKq wh lrk /lhs d" mßs ñ wh lrk /lhs d lhs ,d fn§ula kE'
wfkla w;g" f.dvla fouõmsfhda nhhs jeä jYfhkau msßñ jev lrk kejl /lshdjlg ;ukaf.a ÿjj hjkak" tAl;a tl fya;=jla' ;j;a fya;=jla ;ud kejl /lshdjla .ek wfma whf.a ;sfhk fkdoekqj;alu' f.dvla wh okafka kE Wiia wOHdmkh yeoErE" úfYaI oekqula ,nd.;a" j.lSula iys; jeo.;a /lshdj,a lrk msßila fk!ldj, fiajhlrkjd lsh,d' ys;kafka thd,d fyd|gu fndkjd" yïn lrk foa kdia;s lr,d" uq¿ Ôú; ldf,u uqyqfoa bkakjd lsh,d' tA;a" tAl jerÈhs' tA jf.au" f.dvla wh okafka kE' fk!ldj, jev lrk whf.a wdrlaIdj ;yjqre lrkafka b;du;a ;o kS;s" ß;S mk;aj,ska nj" jev lrk whf.a fyd|u úkhla ;sfhkjd' tA kS;s Í;sj,g wkqj ke;=j jev lrk whg /lshdj mjd wysñ fjkjd' Tn fï lafIa;%fha wdj .uk .ek álla úia;r lruq o@ wms lrk foa .ek f,dl= wdidjla ;fs hkjd kï" tA fjkfq jka ;uka .ek úYja difhka uykia s jfq Kd;a wkjs d¾fhka wfma .uk id¾:l lr.kka m¿q jk'a fmdä ldf,a bokau ug ;snqK f,dl= ySkhla fï kdúl lafIa;%h lshkafka' Wiia fm< wOHdmkh yodr,d wjika jqK .uka uu kdúl bxðfkare mdGud,dj mj;ajk wdh;k fydh,d tAjdg we;= <;a fjkafka fldfyduo lsh,d yeufoau fydh,d ne¨jd' .eyeKq <ufhla fï jf.a lafIa;%hlg tk tl álla jqK;a" uf.a ySkhg hkak mjqf,a whf.ka ug f,dl= iyfhda.hla ,enqKd' Wiia fm< m%;sM, wdjg miafia uu mdGud,djg whÿï l<d' tAflka ;snqK iïuqL mÍlaIKh yd v tl iu;a fj,d uu" uf.a ySkhg hkak mdr újD; lr.;a;d' IET Marine Engineering uncommon aptitude test 03 idudkHfhka ,xldj we;=f<a .eyeKq <uhskag <.dfjkak mq¿jka o lsh,d m%Yak flfrk /lshd lSmhla' tA jf.a wNsfhda.d;aul lafIa;%hlg tkak Tnj fmd<Ujmq fya;=" w;aoelSï fudkjdo@ Marine Engineer, Seaman, Pilot we;a;gu ,xldfõ .eyeKq <uhskag jeks /lshd ,nd.kak tl úYd, wNsfhda.hla jf.au" /lshd wjia:d wvqhs lsh,d ug ysf;kjd' Marine Engineer, Seaman, Pilot uu fmdä ldf,a bokau wks;a whg jvd fjkia úÈhg ys;kak mqreÿ jqK flfkla' tA ksid ug ´k jqKd ljqre;a jeäh f;dar.kafka ke;s tlla f;dra .kka ' uu lfa I;a h% g wdl¾IKh jfq Ka tlA wNfs hd.a iy;s " kj ;dlIa Kh fhdod.kka " yeuodu w¨f;ka bf.k.kka fohla ;fs hk lfa I;a h% la kis d' idudkHfhka .eyeKq <uhks ga leue;;a la we;s fjkka ´k jD;;a hs la úÈhg fïl ie,lf= õ ke;;"a ug uf.a olIa ;d Tmma q lrkka " kj w;oa elïS ,nd.kka m¿q jka lhs ,d y;s K= d' b;ks a ug fï lfa I;a h% .e,fmkjd lhs ,d uu ;rS Kh l<d' tl ;eklg fldgq fj,d bkfa ka ke;j= lrkka m¿q jka /lhs djla kis d fïlg ;fs hk wdidj ;j jeä jKq d' path Marine Engineering fï mdGud,dj .ek wms álla l;d lruq' úfYaIfhkau isiqúhlg kdúl bxðfkare mdGud,dj yeoEÍfuka ,efnk foaj,a" wehg ,efnk /lshd wjia:d" fï lafIa;%fha wehf.a .uk jf.a lreKq .ek fmdä úia;rhla lf<d;a@ kdúl bxðfkra e mdGud,dfjk"a .eyeKq <ufhlga ;dlIa ‚l oekuq " cd;Hk;a rh m<s .s ; jD;;a hS oekuq iy md% fhd.a ls w;oa elïS ,nd.kka m¿q jk'a tl ;eklg fldgq fkdù" f,dl= rgj,a .Kkl ixpdrh lrñka ;ukfa .a /lhs dj iÿs lrkka wehg wji:a dj ,efnkjd' fï mdGud,dj yeoEÍfuka /lhs d lfa I;a j% ,g hkka m¿q jk'a '' fï jk úg fmrg jvd fï lfa I;a f% ha .eyeKq <uhks a i|yd úYd, jYfhka /lhs d wji:a d újD; fj,d ;fs hkjd' jobs, dry dock, ship building industry Merchant Navy, offshore fuu mdGud,dj iïmQ¾K lsÍfuka miqj Trainee Marine Engineer f,i wdrïN lr,d" bÈßhg Chief Engineer ;k;=rg fjkl,a hkak mq¿jka' Tng wkqj" ldka;djlg fuu lafIa;%fha id¾:l fjkak wjYH lrk úfYaI yelshdjka" .=Kdx. fudkjdo@ we;;a gu kdúl bxðfkra e lfa I;a f% ha id¾:l fjkka mO% dk jYfhkua /lhs dj .ek oekuq jf.ua bf.k.kka leue;;a " Wkkÿa j" lemùu" fkdminq g W;ia dyh" ;uka .ek wd;ua úYja dih" wêIGa dkh jf.ua wjodkï .kka ;fs hk leue;;a f.dvla jeo.;'a wms lrk foa .ek f,dl= wdidjla ;fs hkjd kï" tA fjkfq jka ;uka .ek úYja difhka uykia s jfq Kd;a wkjs d¾fhka wfma .uk id¾:l lr.kka m¿q jk'a
fï .ufkÈ Tn uqyqK ÿkak úfYaI w;aoelSula@ 03 lhs kfa ka k;s ru kj w;oa elïS wrf.k tk lfa I;a h% l'a ty§s uu uyq Kq ÿka úfYIa iÿs ùï f.dvla ;fs hkjd' tA w;ßka tlla lfS jd;"a wfma YIs H lKva dhu m<fjks j;djg kejla krUkka kdúl yuoq d lojrq g lfa I;a % pdßldjla .hs d' t;k§ wms kejla lhs % d lrk úÈh" kejl we;<= ; ieleiua " tl" hk;a j% , lhs % dldÍ;ja h .ek md% fhd.a ls j bf.k .kka m¿q jka jKq d' ios Oa dk;a j,g iuS d fkdù .eUßq k"a fndfydu wdidfjka tod wms bf.k .;;a d' ojiks a oji w¨;a w;oa elïS .kka m¿q jka lfa I;a h% l" tA ug wu;l fkdfjk ojil'a Marine Engineering Engine Room fï jf.a wNsfhda.d;aul lafIa;%hla ch.kak isysk olsk .eyeKq <uhska fjkqfjka Tng fokak ;sfhk m‚jqvh@ .eyeKq <ufhla jqKd lsh,d lrkak neß fohla kE' uq, § wmsg wNsfhda. tkjd" m%Yak tkjd' iuyre Tnj ie,ls,a,g fkd.kak;a mq¿jka' yenehs lsisu flfklag Thdf.a oekqu" yelshdj iy lemùu ie,ls,a,g fkdf.k bkak nE' thd,g tAl ms<s.kaku fjkjd' tA ksid ljodj;a lsisu fohla w;yer,d odkak tmd' ´ku flfklag Wkkaÿj" lemùu jf.au tA .ek wiSñ; wdidjla ;sfhkjd kï tA isysk ienE lr.kak mq¿jka' ug lshkak ;sfhkafka ;uka wdi fohla ;sfhkjd kï" —uu .eyeKq <ufhla ksid ug fï foa lrkak neß fõú'˜ lsh,d ys;kak tmd" ;ukaf.a ySk Ôj;a lrjkak yeufj,dfju uykais fjkak' ;ukfa .a ykS Ôj;a lrjkka yeufj,dfju uykia s fjkka ' wjidk jYfhka" ,xldj ;=< ldka;dj iún, .ekaùfï jeo.;alu .ek Tfí is;=ú,a, fudk jf.ao@ ldk;a dj iún, .ekùa u lhs kfa ka ldk;a djla iudcfha ihs ¿ lgh;q j= ,g iyfhd.a h ,nd §,d tA lgh;q j= , krs ; fjkka Wkkÿa lrjk tl' tA lhs kfa ka mßs ñ whf.a wji:a djla ke;s lÍs ula fkfuhs we;;a gu' tfA lka lhs kfa ka iudk wh;s js dils ï" iudk ;ekla ,nd fokjd lhs k tl' ldk;a djka lhs ,d u¿q .ekúa ,d bkfa ka ke;js wm"s wfma wjYH;d fjkfq jka ke.S iás kka ´k' ldk;a djk"a mßs ñ whg jvd fjkia úÈhg y;s kjd' tA woyi"a ´kEu lfa I;a h% l jeäÿr ÈhKq jq g fy;a = fõú lhs ,d ug yfs ;kjd' ldk;a djla úÈhg" ;j flfklfa .ka hefmkfa ka ke;js ija dëkj Ôj;a fjkka m¿q jka kï" tlA u ldk;a djla úÈhg ,nk f,dl= ch.y% Khl'a idlÉPdj i|ks bf¾Id igyk f.;añ‚ m%shxjod
WHY THEM BUT YOU...? 03 f you were to ask yourself, who would love you to the very end without questioning, who would stand by you? It’s YOU. The It has nothing to do with where you are, how you look like, but everything to do with what you are, In there - your heart, and up there - your mind. Self-love isn’t a goal with a finishing line to be crossed from a new year to the following year. It's a lifelong commitment, just like in marriage, except that should not be fragile no matter what. No one will be there with you for that long. So, that's why you shouldn’t care less. The confusion, shame, lack of discipline, regrates, suffering, and lack of motivation might be because you don’t love yourself enough. In my point of view, it’s simply about treating yourself like someone you deeply care about and rooting for. It’s all being your own “biggest fan”. Knowing that you deserve love, respect, good treatment, and happiness, and taking the initiative to believe that you can do anything, be anyone, importantly stepping to the stage where YOU WANT TO BE. I person who was born, raised, and stuck to you till your last breath feels the warmth of this world, is YOU! Next raises the question of how so you should define your moral compass and let it guide you through your voyage; right or wrong, good or bad, success or failure. It's the rule book of life. Deciding what belongs in your rulebook begins with a simple yet powerful question: What do I stand for, and what do I refuse to tolerate? The answer doesn’t come overnight. It forms through experiences, observations, and reflection. By paying attention to how situations make you feel, analyzing your responses, and learning from them, you start building a personal guide rulebook that helps you navigate life with clarity and confidence. Life constantly presents moments that challenge our boundaries. Imagine, you agree to help a friend with a small favor, but they continue to ask for more, disregarding your time and energy. You feel drained but struggle to say “no” because you don’t want to disappoint them. In such situations, selfreflection is crucial. How did that experience make me feel? How will I respond next time? Your rulebook might state: If someone repeatedly takes advantage of my kindness, I will assertively set boundaries. The Girl's Perspective
03 If they continue to disregard my limits, I will remove myself from the situation without guilt. This decision reinforces an essential truth: You do not abandon yourself to satisfy someone else. Self-love means recognizing when your boundaries are crossed and acting accordingly. If someone repeatedly takes advantage of my kindness, I will assertively set boundaries. If they continue to disregard my limits, I will remove myself from the situation without guilt. Personal integrity plays a significant role in your rulebook. Consider a situation where you promised yourself to wake up early and start working on your goals, yet when morning comes, you repeatedly hit snooze and break that promise to yourself. If you had committed to a friend or a colleague, you would likely do your best to keep it, so why treat yourself any differently? Holding yourself accountable is a sign of selfrespect. When you make a decision it’s about waking up on time, sticking to a healthy habit, or completing a personal project that commitment strengthens your trust in yourself. This principle extends to all aspects of life: your values should not change depending on the situation. Integrity is not about how others perceive you; it’s about being consistent with what you believe in. Your standards are not negotiable, and you shouldn’t offer “discounts” on them. Think of yourself as a store with set prices. A customer can’t demand a lower price just because they feel entitled to one. Likewise, if your rulebook states that you don’t tolerate being yelled at, that applies universally- to family, friends, employers, and even yourself. Many people hold others to high standards while allowing themselves to slip. However, selfrespect means maintaining the same expectations for your behavior. If yelling is unacceptable, that rule applies both externally and internally. By refusing to compromise on your values, you reinforce your self-worth. It is not enough to declare that you won’t tolerate something-the real test is in your actions when faced with it. Will you remove yourself from toxic environments? Will you enforce your boundaries? Will you walk away from relationships or situations that don’t align with your self-respect? These defining moments reveal the depth of your self-love. No one has a perfect success rate, and mistakes will happen, but self-love isn’t about perfection-it’s about consistency and commitment to your well-being. You do not abandon yourself to satisfy someone else. At the end of the day, the one person who will always be with you, no matter what, is YOU. Through every high and low, every victory and mistake, you are the one constant in your life. So, ask yourself: Am I treating myself the way I deserve? Are you protecting yourself, supporting yourself, and showing yourself the same love and respect you’d give to someone you care about? A lot of struggles-self-doubt, regret, and lack of motivation often come from neglecting yourself. When you start seeing yourself as someone worth rooting for, everything shifts. Self-love isn’t about what you look like or what you have; it’s about how you treat yourself. It’s about setting boundaries, standing up for your needs, and keeping promises to yourself. Unlike a goal you achieve and forget, self-love is an ongoing journey. No one else can do it for you. That’s why taking care of yourself isn’t just important-it’s necessary. Your rulebook is there to guide you, to help you stay true to what matters to you. So set your standards, stick to them, and never abandon yourself. J. M. Dinaya R. Jayasekara COLOMBO
The Girl's Perspective Empowering Women to SPEAK UP & STAND STRONG against VIOLENCE The fight against violence towards women sees a crisis and has encircled the globe. Vicissitudes, like the UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (1993), which enfranchised the first international attempt to address violence against women, were enormously focused on bringing this prevalent issue affecting millions. The Declaration brought some measure of success to spur changes in legal systems across the world, yet all too often, still today, women and girls have to fight for their safety and justice. UN Women reports that one in three women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence. It is a sobering confirmation of the deep-rooted nature of gender-based violence. The problem spans a wide range of issues, including sexual violence, domestic violence, forced marriage and trafficking, and affects women in every part of the world. Even more alarming is that these incidents go unreported; fewer than 40 percent of women who experience violence speak out or seek help, either because they fear retaliation, lack support or are stigmatized. 03
Existing challenges have also been amplified by Covid-19, which has acted as an exacerbating factor, forcing women into a “shadow pandemic” of domestic abuse. In lockdown situations, while living with their abusers, about 47,000 women and girls were killed by male partners or family members in 2020 alone. These sentiments firmly advocate for change, with a universal commitment to the protection and promotion of women's right to safety and justice. HOW TO PREVENT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN Awareness Raising and 01 SpeakingOut Raising awareness is one of the strongest weapons in combating violence against women. By speaking out, sharing stories, and breaking the silence, we can change the narrative around genderbased violence. The loudest beginning should involve campaigns at local and worldwide levels like the 16 Days of 03 Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until December 10, International Human Rights Day. These campaigns remind the world that violence can never be tolerated and constitute a platform for advocacy and education. Advocatingfor Stronger Legal Frameworks 03 Many nations profess to have laws against violence, yet enforcement is patchy, and many women still do not get justice. Tough laws need not just to be passed; they also have to be enforced. This means that police, judges, and officials should be trained to treat cases of violence in a highly sensitive manner and with a high degree of importance. It should focus on trying to relieve some of the stigma associated with the survivors of violence, thus making it easier for them to report incidents without fear of being, or at least being perceived to be, blame-worthy or facing retaliation. Supporting Survivors 02 Women violated need more than legal backing; above all, they need real protection within safe spaces, counseling, and other resources. Insisted on jointly, governments, NGOs, and communities must create shelters, hotlines, and counseling services. Furthermore, there should be provisions for the survivors to start a new life once victims are empowered: legal aid, financial independence programs, and support groups. These resources go a long way in empowering women leaving violence and beginning the healing journey.
03 In courageous words- Maya Angelou said, "We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter their color." These words remind us of the equal worth of being a woman and that women must stand together, regardless of background, in solidarity. 05 This is a worldwide issue concerning all nations; hence, global cooperation is tantamount. Thus, united, international organizations, governments, and civil society will act to end this menace. International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the 16 Days of Activism are important platforms uniting voices for change. Movements such as #MeToo and #TimesUp have advanced the cause and brought social consciousness to the issue through collective action. GlobalAction: ACalltoArms Educate Communities and 04 Change Social Norms Cultural attitudes are a stronghold for violence against women. Educational and awareness programs must endeavor to demolish harmful stereotypes; preaching gender equality and promoting respectful relationships. Schools, workplaces, and communities must come to the table to engage in discussions on consent, respect, and standing up against violence. Change within a society's understanding and reaction to violence can counter the threat of discrimination and inequality. Inspirational Words 06 to Take Action Great leaders and advocates have unwittingly opened the door to others speaking against violence and injustice. Oprah Winfrey has said, "The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." This reminds us to celebrate every win, however minor, for all that was conquered, and to keep pressing forward into hope. Overwhelming challenges may find women around the world forged in resilience; however, all must now step up, speak out, and take action. Be it raising awareness, supporting, advocating for legal reforms, or changing cultural norms, every action counts. It is only together, united in purpose, that we can create a world where women will not only be safe but empowered to live free of violence. The goal is far. But every step strengthens our resolve toward the day when all women go strong with no fear that their rights will be endorsed, their voices heard, and their lives in value. H.M.Nethmi Tharuka ANURADHAPURA
03 The Girl's Perspective The I WISHED FOR— THE ONE I BECAME When I first joined Sasnaka in 2018, I felt the absence of something I couldn’t quite name at the time, an ‘අක්කා ’ to turn to. There were girls in the foundation, seniors in top positions too, but not enough for me to feel at home, not enough for me to reach out when I needed guidance, not enough for me to say, I belong here too. And that absence sat heavily in my mind. Sometimes, it even held me back. As welcoming as the අයියලා were, it wasn’t the same. There were moments I hesitated to step forward, to take up space, to throw myself into projects the way I truly wanted to. Not because I wasn’t capable, but because I wasn’t sure if I’d have the right support system to fall back on if I stumbled. But this past year, something shifted. Somewhere along the way, I made it my quiet, personal mission to become the අක්කා I once wished I had. It wasn’t an overnight change. It took time, patience, and countless small moments of showing up - not as a leader, but as a safe space. What I will say is this: I no longer feel the void I once did. Not because the past has changed, but because the present is different. Because now, there are conversations happening, messages sent in moments of uncertainty, and hands reaching out - sometimes for help, sometimes just for reassurance that they’re not alone. My journey ends soon, and I am filled with pride not only for the space that has been created, but for the many hands that helped build it - the hands of අක්කලා and නං ගිලා who stepped up, who gave more than I ever could, who carried this mission forward. The නං ගිලා who once hesitated started reaching out. And most of it happened behind the scenes. There are so many stories I could tell, but those aren't mine to tell. Because sometimes, the space we long for is the one we must create for others. That’s how lasting change happens. With all the love, CHENULI To our kx.s,d,
03 BE BRAVE TO Every woman deserves the freedom to chase her dreams, yet many of them remain trapped—by oppressive families, toxic work places, abusive relationships and many other people or situations. I'd say the hardest step to freedom is deciding to leave, but it is also the most crucial. The Girl's Perspective Women face immense challenges; nearly 45% globally experience abuse by their partners, and the gender gap remains wide. Yet history proves that courage changes lives— Malala Yousafzai fought for education, Rosa Parks stood against racial injustice, and countless women have walked away from harmful situations. Being brave means preparing, seeking help, and taking risks. You deserve to walk freely, love freely, and live on your own terms. So on this Women's Day, remember: the sky is vast, and you are strong enough to fly. FLY OUT! Nethmini Panditharathne GALLE
Empowering 03 WOMEN IN SRI LANKA'S TRAVEL, TOURISM & HOSPITALITY Sectors However, while female representation in these industries is steadily increasing, many cultural and societal barriers still hinder women from fully contributing to these vital sectors. InSriLankatraditionalgenderrolesThe Sri Lankan tourism industry is one of the most prominent sectors for female employment, with recent reports indicating that approximately 50% of the tourism workforce comprises women. This figure reflects the tremendous growth opportunities within the sector. Furthermore, female entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka’s tourism and hospitality sectors has increased, with women taking charge of boutique hotels, travel agencies, and even cultural tours, showcasing their innovation and leadership. The Girl's Perspective immense growth potential, and women have been at the S ri Lanka's Travel, Tourism and Hospitality sectors hold FOREFRONT of this development. In Sri Lanka, traditional gender roles often limit women's involvement in business and leadership roles. The notion that women should prioritize family duties over their professional ambitions has led to a significant gender gap in the workforce, particularly in the travel and hospitality industries. Despite this, women continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience, carving out spaces for themselves and making noteworthy contributions to the growth of the tourism sector.
This sector offers a fantastic entry point for women to combine their cultural knowledge with entrepreneurship, providing a platform to showcase their talents while also contributing to the country’s tourism industry. 03 One of the emerging areas where women can play a significant role is culinary tourism. Sri Lanka is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, and the demand for authentic food experiences is rapidly growing among tourists. Women, especially those skilled in traditional cooking, can seize this opportunity by creating food tours, cooking classes, and culinary experiences. However, many women still face challenges when stepping into the spotlight. I can personally relate to these struggles. When I decided to pursue higher education in tourism and hospitality in Sri Lanka, I faced harsh criticism. The societal expectations and the judgment I received shattered my confidence. It wasn’t until I met my mentor, Mrs. Suvimali Rathnayaka, a former lecturer at the University of Kelaniya, that I began to regain my selfbelief. Her guidance and unwavering support helped me understand that breaking societal norms is not just possible, but necessary to thrive. Approximately 50% of the tourism workforce comprises WOMEN.
is the time to rise, empower one another, and take the lead in shaping the future of these industries. Now 03 To all the women out there with dreams of making a mark in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors, Remember, the greatest hurdle often lies in breaking through your own doubts, and with the right support, women can transform the landscape of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. Remember THIS; The world needs your contributions. Break free from the constraints that hold you back, as the challenges you face are just stepping stones to your success. With courage, perseverance, and a community of supportive mentors, like I had in Mrs. Suvimali Rathnayaka, you can turn your aspirations into reality. Keep pushing forward, because there is no limit to what you can achieve! For women considering a career in these sectors, I urge you to look past the cultural barriers and societal criticisms. The travel and hospitality industries need your unique perspectives, creativity, and leadership. Together, let’s continue to inspire and motivate each other to contribute and lead with confidence. The future of tourism and hospitality in Sri Lanka is in our hands. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I would like to dedicate this article to two of the most amazing women I’ve met in my life: my mother, and Mrs. Suvimali Rathnayaka. Both of them believed in me when I doubted myself, and their unwavering support is the reason I stand where I am today. Thank you for inspiring me to keep pushing forward! Amandra Athapattu GALLE Lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality Management
GENDER INEQUALITY IN A PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT Gender inequality in the workplace refers to unequal treatment opportunities and outcomes for individuals according to their gender. A good work environment is important for women and men to work longer and without the risk of ill-health. There are many myths, outrights, falsehoods, and cultural norms about gender. In the past, there was a huge discrimination between men and women. Many factors contributed to this discrimination. Foremost among them is the likelihood that one will obtain resources through personal efforts desired by others. Furthermore, throughout history, various movement restrictions were also imposed on women. China's foot binding system and Europe's corset and tightlacing fashions also brought a lot of suffering to women. These can highlight the patriarchy in the past. When considering poetry, it is a highly responsible profession. Using pen and paper, poets have the power to bring about significant change. There are many definitions of poetry. According to Yanal (1982), “One natural interpretation of this definition is this. The poet, in order to make poetry and not something else, must write about possible, not actual, things." 03 This reflects the idea they had about the poet in the past. Before the romantic era, poetess could not publish their poems in their name. They published them anonymously or under pseudonyms to protect their identities due to gender inequality. Women also rarely published books during the period 1770 – 1835. The title page or any other page often did not contain the names of wealthy, well-connected, or aristocratic women poets. They often provided them for their family and friends. The gender inequality in this village reflects how it affected the professional environment in the past.
GENDER PAY GAP This pay gap can be pointed out as a salient feature when considering gender inequality. Women and men in the workforce earn differently on average, and this is known as the gender pay gap. The main historical event that led to this wage disparity was the British experience of the First World War. Modern economists have paid attention to this gender pay gap, but this was not the case in the past. For example, in the 19th century, feminists like Charlotte Perkins Gillman and Friedrich Engels emphasized the gender division of labor and the emancipating effects of women's market work participation. As women become more involved in the paid labor force and market work, interest in gender differences in labor market outcomes has grown. Earnings gaps between men and women persist and are universal. Many survey reports show that women generally earn a lower Per Capita Income than men. Often women have to spend their time on housework in addition to work, so they have less time to devote to their careers. A century ago, women began increasing their participation in the labor market. Although this gender pay disparity is not always seen, it still exists in some sectors of society. Leadership opportunities Leadership is a concept widely used today in a professional setting, refers to the opportunity for someone to guide, influence, and make decisions that affect a team, department, or an organization. Some would argue that this affects gender inequality for higher positions in the profession. Still, there are a few women in leadership positions and decision-making bodies in countries like India. They consider the role of women in a family as important. At the same time, by the twentieth century, it appeared that in recent years, women have been increasingly returning to the workforce compared to the past. However, gender differences persist in the types of leadership roles women achieve, and the underrepresentation of women in healthcare leadership. Although educational attainment, age, and experience differences are controlled for, salary disparity still exists. In other words, effective leadership is not exclusively the domain of one gender over another, and both are capable of learning from each other. However, female leaders today successfully face challenges such as sexism and stereotypes. Female leaders face an uphill battle with perceptions of style, effectiveness, and preferences of followers. When a review is taken, leadership processes are influenced by the leader’s gender directly, indirectly, and through moderating effects. WORKPLACE Harassment Approximately 73% of women have already been exposed to or have experienced some form of online violence, higher than in offline forms. Harassment is a result covered by Title VII of the 1964 U.S. Civil Rights Act. There are several reasons for this harassment. This damages them physically and mentally also. Investigators have focused on this in the past. The US term for this is "emotional abuse." They point to depression, anxiety, and addictions as the reason for this harassment. Women are also more likely to experience this type of bullying than men. It often appears that workplace harassment is rampant in higher education in North America. Stereotypically masculine conduct and appearance are necessary for professional success in many highly rewarded industries, but the same characteristics also raise the danger of harassment for women. C O N C L U S I O N This terrible poison of gender inequality was deeply rooted in society in the past, but it has gradually decreased in the present. But it still appears in the workplace at times. This discrimination between men and women isn’t just a moral issue; it affects social justice and economic efficiency as well. To reduce the problems caused by this inequality, measures can be taken to provide education and awareness about this in the workplace, to provide equal pay, to provide wages and benefits, to follow the flexible work policy, to maintain counseling and sponsorship programs, to provide legal assistance, etc. In general, in this case, it is not justified to say that this gender gap exists in every workplace; it depends on the respective workplace, its management, and the opinions of its employees. Gayathri Kaushalya 03 ARTICLE BY
03 The Girl's Perspective SOULS feminine LIBERATING Moreover, supporting her well-being by ensuring access to education, and skill development, and facilitating new options on women's healthcare, mental health, and overall wellness is pivotal. Establishing scholarship programs, particularly for girls and women, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds like the scholarships provided by ‘The Malala Fund‘. This should not be just a vision as it is vital for a prospering society. magine a world where every woman is allowed to accomplish her dreams, I magnify her voice, and witness her future. Women’s empowerment has refined profoundly throughout history, molded by cultural, social, and political movements. Since ancient times, powerful queens and female leaders, such as Cleopatra of Egypt and Hatshepsut, ruled their territories with authority and influence, breaking the societal norms of their eras. However, despite some instances, most women were assigned to domestic roles. Thinking - Why women empowerment? Unspoken benefits of women's empowerment would extend beyond individual achievements, leading to substantial social impacts. Active participation of empowered women in decision-making within the country leads to more inclusive governance. Women’s workforce participation boosts productivity and innovation, driving towards sustainable economic development in the country. Empowered women prioritize education and health, resulting in better outcomes for children and breaking the cycle of poverty. Women empowerment challenges stereotypes, fostering healthier perceptions of gender roles resulting in a cultural shift. Communities with empowered women are more resilient, benefiting from diverse perspectives in problem-solving. Women's involvement ensures that issues affecting them are prioritized in policy making. This enhances the contribution of each woman in all fields she works in since she is no longer vulnerable to societal threats. Society has a huge responsibility in fostering women's empowerment by promoting equality and challenging stereotypes. This includes creating supportive environments, advocating for equal rights, and ensuring access to education and resources irrespective of gender. The health ministries can ensure that women can access affordable and high-quality healthcare services, including reproductive health and maternity care at affordable rates. At the same time, It’s the responsibility of the ministries of women to introduce new policies that support work-life balance, like flexible working hours, parental leave, and childcare support. Women from all over the world are united to strive for empowerment, with movements like #MeToo and many other campaigns bringing attention to ongoing challenges faced by women. Simply You can contribute to this by supporting gender equality policies. Through investing in women’s empowerment, we uplift individuals and enrich our communities, paving the way for a more impartial future for feminine beings and all of us. Shaini Adikari KURUNEGALA
‘’Here' s to strong women, may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.’’ As we celebrate Women's Day, it is important to reflect on the progress and challenges that remain. So, it is time to honour the strength and achievements, contributions, challenges, and resilience of women worldwide. Imagine a world where every woman, regardless of her background, has the opportunity to rise above societal constraints and become a leader in her community. Growing up, I always admired the strength, courage, endurance, and determination of the women around me. But beyond admiration, International Women's Day is more than a celebration, it is a call to action. Observed annually on March 8,it serves as a powerful reminder of the struggle for women's rights throughout history and the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive society. This day stands as a global symbol of the ongoing struggle for gender equality. In today's society, Women's Day remarkably celebrates the achievements of women and represents the ongoing fight for equal rights. This day stands as a symbol of unity and advocacy toward achieving gender parity across all spheres of life. International Women’s Day originated from early 1900s labor movements, In 1908, women protested for better rights. The first National Women’s Day was in 1909, and in 1911, several countries observed it. March 8 became official in 1921. The UN recognized it in 1975 and introduced annual themes in 1996. International Women's Day highlights women's contributions across various fields while addressing the challenges they continue to face. This year's theme, "Accelerate action", emphasizes the urgent need to expedite progress towards gender equality. It encourages individuals and organizations to take action to create an inclusive and equitable world for all women. Honor killings and child marriage remain critical issues in some regions. In conservative communities, especially in rural areas, girls may be expected to do chores instead of studying, and poor families often prioritize boys' education. In certain cultures, especially in rural northern states, early marriage and gender discrimination limit girls’ education, while safety concerns may discourage families from sending girls to school. Approximately 130 million girls worldwide are out of school due to economic and cultural barriers, especially in underdeveloped countries. Some countries continue to have discriminatory laws restricting girls' education. These issues not only hinder individual potential but also impede broader societal progress. Therefore, International Women's Day is not just another day to celebrate accomplishments. It serves as a reminder to take action against these injustices and establish a world where girls and women are free to thrive.
A supportive environment is crucial for women's progress. One in three women globally experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. Isn’t this a tragedy? Women’s mental health and overall wellness can be exacerbated by bullying, social harassment, gender-based violence,and caregiving responsibilities. Women have unique healthcare needs such as general health concerns, preventive care, reproductive health, mental health, and specific life stages. Factors like age, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and sexual orientation can all influence a woman's healthcare needs. Women's healthcare needs vary throughout their lives, from adolescence to post-menopause. That's why raising awareness about women's health care and overall wellness is crucial within workplaces and especially in broader communities. Educational workshops and training, providing resources and access to information, promoting awareness days, public campaigns, educational initiatives, and policy changes are important. In modern society, women play a significant role in various fields including science and technology, healthcare, politics and leadership, law and policy,media representation, education, and skill development. They also contribute to global processes, particularly in medicine, nursing, and medical research. MarieCurie, Rosalind Franklin, and Mother Teresa are role models for women in science and health care. More women are now entering the science and healthcare sectors. As researchers, as well as female doctors and nurses, they make significant contributions to the world. Additionally, more women are now pursuing careers in STEM FIELD It's truly inspiring to see women who have shattered glass ceilings in politics and business. In politics, New Zealand's former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is a great example of a leader who demonstrates empathy and kindness in her leadership style. Her career highlights the ability of women to achieve the highest levels of political office. Sri Lanka's first female Prime Minister,Sirimavo Bandaranayake, serves as an excellent example for Sri Lankans. At the same time, women can achieve financial independence through expertise,entrepreneurship, and innovation. Women who succeed in business and achieve financial independence show the world that their stories emphasize determination, resourcefulness, adaptability, and knowledge. It is important to recognize that financial independence can manifest in many ways. Educating ourselves, understanding investing, creating a budget, taking control of finances, managing debt, and making wise investments are all crucial. Addressing systemic issues, networking, and seeking professional advice are also essential steps toward financial empowerment. However, when discussing global job opportunities with a lack of female representation, it's important to highlight various sectors and industries where women remain underrepresented or face barriers to entry, such as Technology and STEM (including Science, Technology, Mathematics, and Engineering), Finance and Business, Construction and Trades, Political Leadership, and Agriculture. These can occur because women still face numerous barriers such as gender bias, social expectations, stereotypes, the pay gap, lack of leadership opportunities, mental health struggles, and the dfficulty of balancing career and family life. In conclusion, in a world where women still face disparities in education, leadership, and career opportunities, we must advocate for systemic changes. Women's achievements should be celebrated, but we must not forget the ongoing struggles they face. Looking toward the future, we must unite in our efforts to empower women worldwide. It is our responsibility to challenge societal norms and create opportunities that enable women to excel and contribute to a fairer world. Ruhini Dahamya Anuradhapura District
03
03
03
We were told to sit tight and listen To bite our tongue and to swallow the weight To be soft, to be kind, and to behave To suffer in grace, then call it virtue And Oh! When we dared misstep They blamed it on us being women A curse, they said Like it was embedded in our being So listen well, those who do not know: No force more unyielding, Than a woman who knows her value It would not be easy ‘cause oh Yeah, I've known the blame I too searched someone to blame Someone to love, to save and fix me Someone to lift me from my sorrow But stars didn't answer, And the fate didn't give a damn None came, none saw, and so I fought alone Bruised, broken, staring at the ceiling Every night a wish to end it all But deep inside, something growled A whisper, a command "Stand Confront and Repair" And so to all who standing weary, I say this "Stand" Not for the crowd, nor the applause Not for the glory But for the one who's waiting for your victory Ain't out there - it's in the mirror So carry your burden and climb the hill And no... It won't be easy To seek meaning and the purpose of your being It won't be given to you, nor will you stumble upon it For it's forged in fire, tempered in agony And the only way out ? Is THROUGH So move forward, in to unknown, even in to the fear For the wings that you seek Are held by the abyss you dare not face The fire Became her 03 H.M.T.Ovindi Jayaweera ANURADHAPURA
I’m a garden, With pretty little flowers tucked in my hair, Lilacs blooming, birds chirping and it’s a morning, A glimpse of the same man from five years ago, This time with a different face, this time we’re on a bus, Buried in a crowd like wild yams, A mini shovel in his hand ready to dig me up, buried wounds and nightmares. He traces my back with the back of a rake, Up and down, UP AND DOWN. Twisting, turning my insides, I tell myself that I’m mistaken, I think it’s just too crowded- little space, Until I don’t. And when I feel his hands- dirty, I SCREAM. One push with all my courage, And then he’s out the door, The dams break, I’m all flood, I’m all flood, underwater, The water doesn’t wash it away- the dirt, The fingerprints, Now I’m filled with dirty water that doesn’t flow, For I'm a garden a little too steep. Verosha Gaganathara AMPARA DISTRICT
She is the spark that ignites the dawn, The lighting strikes, on the stormy nights. She walks through fire unbowed, unbent, A hush of whisper, a soul heaven sent. Her scars are stories, carved in gold, A soul that dance in lands unknown. She is the thunder, before the rain, A storm of passion, love and pain. She is the architect shaping the sky, Building bridges, letting no dream die. Through every challenge, though every fear, She rises again, stronger each year. A mother, a sister, a friend, a guide, Her love, her wisdom, always by your side. In every role, she stands with pride, Her essence and spirit, she cannot hide. When the world stand still waiting for light, She walks with grace ready to fight. For she is the pulse, the heart, the flame, Her power, her love, forever her name. At twilight edge, when shadows retreat, She radiates so free, as a royal queen. To empower her is to empower all, Cause she is the Sovereign that steadies us all. W. Athapaththu PULSE forHER
Nethmini Panditharathne She had the most privileged life they said Filled with luxuries that had no end Yet she had a story unsaid Life was a literal hell hole instead Crying till her eyes are bloodshot red For the unfaithful wreck of a husband who she wished was dead, Self-soothing the bruises embed To her body with each drunken slap before bed, She got tired of the tears shed When her daughter asked maa why pita calls me the regret When can I wear the dresses than these shirts huge and buttoned And grow out my hair that dada cut each week saying at least To look a bit like the boy that I'll never get Time to actually use all the luxuries Taking anything she can find or sees Putting the ring in a dustbin releasing all the worries She flew with the daughter on a random Friday, overseas She started having what she always yearned A job and the home crotchety business she always dreamed And above all great days without crying till midnights passed For the bravery of escaping the violence, she's now the proudest And the little one wears what she always wanted Pretty dresses and she has the hairstyle that suited The duo now are just two free birds, who were once caged. CAGED BIRDSto free BIRDS
At two AM, the quiet hum of the world is a canvas waiting, and she, the Seeker, finds wisdom in the shadows, in the spaces between breaths. Her thoughts are like fire not yet touched by the dawn, burning with questions that have no answers, only the knowing that she will find them, step by deliberate step. Anonymous She is a Healer, hands open to the pain of the world, but her heart is not burdened, it is alive with purpose, mending not just others, but herself. At two AM, she is both broken and whole, the weight of her own journey filling the room, and yet, she stands on the edge of something greater, where healing is not just a gift, but a calling. Her mind never stops, but in the stillness, she finds clarity, a truth that hums, beneath the surface of all that she has yet to become. The 2AM Thoughts EMPOWERED WOMAN, of an aSeeker,aHealer
I blew the countless candles on the cake after they finished singing happy birthday, But I didn't want to celebrate it like I did once upon a time. Back then I was like a candle that was never lit, Perfect silk skin and glowing sharp confidence Young and pretty, swift and smart. Then I decided to let me be lighten so that I can provide warmth and lightTo my very own family. Even though that made me go through extremes that only women will go through, I did it happily and willingly. At the end, that exact warmth and light I gave to them, left these melted wax on me, Some stopped in the halfway, some all the way down It's sad but beautiful, how people who were enlighten by me never forget meI'm so thankful to them, But I miss my little girl who once was, Young and pretty. Swift and smart. To my little girl, Samadhi Chamathka Kurunegala District
HER STORY HER STORY HER STORY fï kx.s uu iiakl ;=, oelmq fydou fudrd,a tlla" tfyu ke;a;ka iudc fiajh lshk foa WmÍfïu lrkak ´ks lshk ye.Su ;sfhk flfkla' tAlg thdg fl,af,la lshk ye.Su kE' lrkak ´kS fudloao tAl thdg lrkaku ´kS' ´ksu fj,djl ´ksu fohlg thdf.a lemlsÍu w;súYsIaghs' uu wjqreÿ 12l iiakl Ôú;h ;=, oelmq ksirkoHdY WmÍfïu ;sfhk .EKQ ,uhd thd''' CHAMODI SEWWANDI — Niroshan Thilina (Badulla) BADULLA 03 MATARA She has had a great impact on me. She motivated me to develop leadership qualities and excel in my studies. I wish her a bright future in academics and extracurricular activities. — Dasun Pramuditha (Matara) SUCHARYA KURUNEGALA mrK w¨;a lsh,d lsisu fjkialula keye" yefudagu tl yd iudkj i,lkjd' ;rd;sru n,kafka keye" yefudaju fyd¢ka n,kjd' uka oelmq yßu fyd| wlald flfkla — Piyumi (Kurunegala) RASHMI MANODYA KURUNEGALA — Isuru Lakshan She treats children with kindness and speaks very well. She never gets angry. When a mistake is pointed out, she acknowledges it and corrects it PAWANI ANURADHAPURA She has the best leadership attitudes and is a very talented sister! — Pamod Jayaweera (Matale)
03 SAVITHI HANSADI — Devin Hesara (Colombo) COLOMBO Nothing to say about Savithi Akka's potential. She is one of the most well-balanced girl I have ever seen. She always guides me to the light! Her aim is high! She is one of the great people who have supported me in growing to this stage! Not only in academics and leadership, but she is also one of the best actresses I have seen! SEHANSA BASNAYAKE KANDY When I was feeling completely helpless, she helped me to overcome those challenges. Honestly, if she hadn’t been there, I can’t imagine what would have happened to me. I truly see her as my sister. After my family, she is the only one who genuinely celebrates my achievements, and despite her busy schedule, she is still by my side. She is also the one who inspired me to join Sasnaka. — Chiranthana Damsarani (Kandy) SAMITHMA WIJEBANDARA — Vihagana Gunawardhane (Kegalle) weh ksy;udks pß;hla jf.au ´kEu fohla .ek úuiQ úg ksryxldr f,i ms,s;=re fokj' weh iqyo yuqj ixúOdkh lrmq wdldrh b;d úYsIaghs ´kEu úYd, wNsfhda.d;aul ldh–la mSvfkalska f;drj ir,j lrk wdldrh weh ;=,ska ÿgqjd''' THILINI GALLE When it comes to working, planning, behaviour, and guiding others, she is a perfect all-rounder as an Akka. — T.V.A.S. Udamya SAMITHMA WIJEBANDARA KEGALLE — Shehan Tharindu (Kegalle) ug iñ;aud wlaldj biair fj,du yïn Wfka f.dak., fiñkd tflka' tod fiñkd tl bjr fjklaï wms yefudu .ek wfmau wlald flfkla jf.a fydh,d n,,d wmsg wdmq m%Yak yeu tllaÈu wms tlal bÈhd' SAMITHMA KEGALLE She is a kind and sociable girl, and she feels like my own sister. I’ve learned so much from her, like how to plan work successfully and how to treat others with kindness. — K.R.Deepthi Wathsala (Kegalle) KEGALLE
03 PAWANI KAUSHIKA — Menura Sathnidu (Puttalam) ANURADHAPURA The first time I met Pawani, I knew she was special. She had a confident way of carrying herself, but at the same time, she was kind and caring. She didn’t need to ask for attention, people naturally respected her. She always listened to people and tried to understand their feelings. If someone was struggling, she didn’t just say nice words, she helped them. No matter how tough the journey was, she kept moving forward. She showed me that being brave is not just about fighting, it’s about believing in yourself. THAMASHA KURUNEGALA Ôúf; ÿl i;=g iuis;ska úo,d ,. boka yeuodu ys; uf. yo,d fidfydhqßh ù uf.a yeu ySk m;,d i;=ákau kqU ys§ Ôúf;a Èk,d''' fnodf.k WU f.kd lEu tl ldmQ tA;rï u;l wfm ys; wiafi ujmQ fï ;rï ne§ula wms wmsg lshmQ WU uf. uu Wfò hd¨jhs ñ;=rE''' WU Èkak od uu i;=ákau bkakï uu Èkk úg§ WU <Õska ysomka fu ;rï neÿk yoys; wfm ,.kï ys;uf. yeÿfj WUhs ,. ysÈñka''' ÿl i;=g iuis;ska yeuodu úÈuq m;kakï ch fjkak uf. ,.ska ysomQ ;udYd ñ;=ßhla fkdfj uf. hy¿ WUg ch m;kakï Tfn ñ;=re fidhqre''' ^nndg fydog j;=r odkak'''& — Vishwa Sandaruwan (Kaluthara) S.B.INDUMINI IMALSHA BADULLA .; jQ flá ld,h ;=, wef.ka ,o Wmfoia" wdo¾Y" w;aoelSï m%fhdackj;a jQ wjia:do ke;=jdu fkdfõ' we;a; jYfhkau uf.a Ôú;fha § ug yuqjqk fhfy,shka w;ßka weh Ôúf;a .ek w;aoelSï nyq," wdo¾Y imsß Èßh fidhqßh jkq nj ksh;hs' fldákau bÿñŒ hkq ´ku wNsfhda.hlg uqyqK fokak mq¨jka fmd,fj mh.y, Ôj;afjk mÜg fl,af,la' — Rekshan Ruchintha (Badulla) SANJANI FERNANDO —iiakl ixiofha Tn ÿgq weh˜ Tõ" iiakl ixiofha ud ÿgq weh" ixcdkS m%kdkaÿ fidhqßh' tod iiakl ixio wdrïNl hq.fha iSñ; m%udKhla jQ idudðl;ajh ;=< idudðlhka w;r lrg lr isáñka jev l< —idudðldj˜' kuq;a weh wo wm w;r keye' wehf.a u;lhka muKla wo wm w;r fYaI fj,d ;sfhkjd' Tn wm tluq;=j iiakl ixio f,i isÿ l< tA ud yeÕs msxlï iy iudc fiajdjka ;=<skau Tn msrejdjQ mdrñ;djka W;=ï ks¾jdKh ms‚iu fya;= fjjdæ wdorŒh fidhqßh' — Danuka Premathilaka THATHSARA DISSANAYAKE MATALE — Rekshan Ruchintha (Badulla) She is a kind and sociable girl, and she feels like my own sister. I’ve learned so much from her, like how to plan work successfully and how to treat others with kindness. IN LOVING MEMORIES OF,
03 NILSHI JEEWANDARA — Nilanga Gayashan (Gampaha) GAMPAHA We met long before I joined Sasnaka Sansada. There was a time when I was struggling with severe depression, and she tried to guide me in every way possible. One day, I saw her post a status about the feedback she received from a seminar. I asked her about it, and she explained Sasnaka Sansada to me. Soon after, I joined too and conducted my first seminar. That day marked the beginning of my journey out of what felt like a living hell. After my mother, she is the person to whom I am most indebted in my life.” SAMADHI SRIMA KEGALLE — Shammi Premachandra (Kegalle) She was the coordinator who worked with us at the Kegalle Pattana Pooja. She put in her best efforts, managed all the activities with great focus, and successfully completed the program alongside all the members. The work she did cannot be described in words, it must be seen to truly appreciate her dedication. The biggest lesson I learned from her is that nothing is impossible, even for a girl. She took on a huge responsibility, managed everything thoroughly, and led the team to success SETHMINI PALLIYAGURU KANDY — Aroshan Bandara (Kandy) I've known Sethmini Nangi since school, and she has always been someone who genuinely wants to help others. I remember how she used to teach and support her classmates, often sacrificing her own time and resources just to help them succeed. She continues to do an incredible job at Sasnaka, giving her time, knowledge, and energy to support students. As a girl, she’s doing everything she can to make a difference, and she inspires me to be part of this great work too.” SAMITHMA WIJEBANDARA KEGALLE — Beralidu Dilshan (Kegalle) She had to face lots of challenges when she was young, and as a result, she missed out on many things in her life. However, once she recovered, she made it her mission to reclaim everything she had lost, one step at a time. Today, she has built a beautiful life for herself. SWETHA RATHNAYAKE MATARA — Yasathri Mahagamage (Matara) She helped me overcome the fear of speaking in front of many children and encouraged me by saying, "You can do it, come and give it a try." She didn’t just offer advice; she showed me how to do it, proving that leading by example is far more powerful than just giving advice.”
SESADI DISARA — Verosha Gaganathara (Ampara) AMPARA She has a way of making everyone around her feel welcomed, and I specifically chose to write about her because the leadership I saw in her was far from the stereotypical leader. Leadership is often seen as loud and autocratic, but she contradicts that norm. Even outside Sasnaka Sansada, she’s everywhere. It makes me wonder how she finds time for everything despite her busy schedule. I believe that’s what a woman should be. Instead of being confined to one place or setting limitations, she inspires me to believe that I can do more than I think I can.” CHENULI KULATUNGA COLOMBO — Devin Hesara (Colombo) Our Chenuli Akka is one of the humblest girls I have ever met! She always gives everyone the respect they deserve. I remember one day, even though I was a very junior member compared to her, she informed me before sending messages in the group because I was the DC. I was really impressed by how good she is! She is also a multi-talented girl with incredible potential.” AMASHA GALLE — Aroshan Bandara (Kandy) She only introduced me to the Sasnaka Sansada. I don’t know whether it’s right to say that she just inspired me but what I am very sure is that I got the best friend I could ever ask for because of Sasnaka. Now that I’m living abroad and away from Sri Lanka in a different university culture, I can guarantee that Sasnaka was the most unique and beautiful exposure I’ve ever had. I am very happy that I got this chance to share my experience and convey my gratitude towards my best friend.” AMASHA GALLE — Chathuvi (Galle) She only introduced me to the Sasnaka Sansada. I don’t know whether it’s right to say that she just inspired me but what I am very sure is that I got the best friend I could ever ask for because of Sasnaka. Now that I’m living abroad and away from Sri Lanka in a different university culture, I can guarantee that Sasnaka was the most unique and beautiful exposure I’ve ever had. I am very happy that I got this chance to share my experience and convey my gratitude towards my best friend.” SAMITHMA KEGALLE — Anonymous She has faced many challenges in her life, yet she has built her success through sheer determination. Despite all the obstacles, she found a way to turn her life around and create a bright future for herself. Her life story fills me with pride, and I am in awe of her incredible strength.”
SAVITHI HANSADI — Anonymous COLOMBO The number of people she has inspired, regardless of gender, is incredibly high. She isn’t just a leader, she’s a co-worker in every sense. Even if she leads, she will stand beside you, and most importantly, despite her height and talent, she’s humble enough to learn from you. Many people can inspire others, but not everyone can be the person others want to become. After seeing her hard work in Colombo and how she’s been such a caring leader for her “podi lamai,” her new position at STEAM comes as no surprise.” DINETHRA SIGERA COLOMBO One of the most multi-talented people I've met in Sasnaka. From photography to dancing, she’s got it all. I’ve met her on various projects, and I’ve seen her attention to detail, even in the tiniest things. She’s one of the best minds in Sasnaka and has contributed to so many projects. I’ve always seen her with her camera, running around capturing moments, and even when she’s not behind the lens, she’s lending a hand with whatever task we have. She’s inspired me to do better and to become a better person.” SUCHARYA SAMARASINGHE GALLE — Dineshika De Silva (Kurunegala) I still remember my first seminar. I was so nervous and scared, not knowing how I’d manage since I had no teaching experience. It was a big responsibility, and I felt like I might not do well. But in that moment of uncertainty, Sucharya stood by me. Even though she had another important event to attend, she selflessly cancelled her plans and came to support me at that seminar.” SANDANI IRESHA GAMPAHA — Profiling and Corporate Affairs Pillar She wasn’t just a leader; she was the kind of person who made you feel like you mattered. She had this incredible ability to take nervous beginners and gently guide them into becoming confident contributors, leaving a little piece of her wisdom in everyone she worked with. She’s a reminder of what it means to lead with kindness, professionalism, and heart.” SWETHA RATHNAYAKE MATARA She is a very kind and talented girl” B. A. Pamodya Nethmi
SAVINDYA WIJESINGHE — Anonymous COLOMBO Savindya has this electrifying personality that can easily light up any room. Even when things went south quickly, she always stayed positive and encouraged us to do the same. Lately, she’s also developed some impressive fire-announcing skills (though she usually just yaps ????). Among many other female role models, she inspires me to do better, and I believe others feel the same way. MANTHIE RANASINGHE COLOMBO — Anonymous This person has been one of the most caring and intelligent individuals I look up to. She’s incredibly busy, and it’s inspiring how she manages it all. She goes through a lot, even though we might not always see it, but she handles everything like a queen. And she still manages to find time for Sasnaka activities too. She’s a great inspiration to those struggling to juggle multiple things at once because she does it like a pro. Oh, and she’s a great dancer too. SANDANI IRESHA GAMPAHA — Madhura Senevirathne (Kurunegala) A truly inspiring, supportive, and multitalented soul in Sasnaka Sansada. From your commitment in Sasnaka Sansada fam to the way you uplift and empower others, you continue to be a shining example of what it means to be a powerful woman 100%. iiakl ixio ;=,ska weh y÷kd.ekSug fmr isgu wdo¾Yhla jqk pß;hla" iiakl ixio ;=<ska ;jÿrg;a w÷rf.k m%Yak msg m%Yak wdj;a tAjdg uqyqK fokak jf.au jegqk yeu ;ekskau keÕsákak Woõ lrmq weh¦ i|ks bfraId CHAMODI SEWWANDI BADULLA — Rekshan Ruchintha (Badulla) Wiiafm, mka;shg .sh uq,au ojfi yïn jqkq wog;a fydou fhfy<shla' ´ku fohlg w;.kak nh ke;s ´ku fohla wNsfhda.hla f,i Ndr.kak Yla;su;a fm!reIhlska hqla; fidhqßhla' flfklag Woõjla lrkak melsf,kafk ke;s ixfõ§ yoj;la iys; weh Ndr.;a jefâ b;d fydÈka bgqlrk pß;hls' SAMITHMA KEGALLE — Thilini Priyashan (Kegalle) wlal;a tlal jev lrkak ,eîu i;=gla" thd yßu fydohs yenehs ;ry hkj álla' jevla lroaÈ tAl ms,sfj,gu fjkak ´ks" ug jf.au wks;a whg;a ula ys;akafk tAuhs fydÈka l;dny lr, Woõ lrf.k i;=áka yfudau tlal bkak flfkla'
SAVINDYA WIJESINGHE — Anonymous COLOMBO Savindya නං ගි දෙ යක් කිව්වො ත් කරන චරිතයක්. එහෙ ම චරිත හො යා ගන්න අඩුයි. මට කියන්න ඔනේ එක අවස්ථා වක් තමයි, 2025 කිරිපිඩු පූජා වට ලෑ ස්ති වෙ නකො ට 31රෑ , ගො ක් කො ළ කපද්දි වෙ ච්ච සිදුවීමක්. Colombo වල ගො ක් කො ළ වැ ඩ වලට famous අපේ Janindu මල්ලි, හැ බැ යි මේ පා ර DC හින්දා ගො ක් කො ළ කප කප ඉන්න වෙ ලා වක් තිබ්බේ නෑ එයා ට. නං ගි කො හො මහරි ඒක කරන හැ ටි අහගෙ න, ගො ක් කො ළ ටික කපන්න පටන් ගත්තා . අපේ feedback අහගෙ න, හෙ මින් හෙ මින් නං ගි වැ ඩේ අතහරින්නේ නැ තුව කරා . අන්තිමට ගො ක් කො ළ මල් ඔක්කෝ ම එයා කපපු කො ළ වලින් හැ දුවේ . කිව්වා වගේ කිව්වො ත් කරනවා . වැ ඩ්ඩෙ ක් තමා ! SEMINI MITHARA — Isuru Bandara Dalpitiya (Kandy) KANDY Pushpadana ගණිත සවිය දවසේ අක්කා ඒක හො ඳට පෙ න්නුම් කලා , මම akkigen ඇහුවා පො ඩි project එකක් කරන්න. මම 2005 වෙ ලත් akki මම ගැ න පුර්ණ විශ්වා සය තියලා ඒක කරන්න කිව්වා , ඕනි උදවුවක් දෙ න්නම් කියලත් කිව්වා . ඊයේ අපේ meetup එක තිබ්බ, අක්කි හැ ම දෙ යක්ම හරිම පිලිවෙ ලට ලස්සනට organise කරලා තිබ්බ. හරිම ලස්සන හිනා වකින් අපි හැ මෝ වම පිළිගත්තා . Akkigen මේ පො ඩි දවස් ටිකට ඉගෙ නගන්න දේ වල් ගො ඩක් තිබුනා . akki අඳින ඇඳුම් උනත් හරිම පිලිවෙ ලට අඳිනවා . ඒ වගේ අක්කල හරිම අඩු කා ලෙ ක අනිත් nangilata දෙ න ආදර්ශය හරිම වටිනවා . SAMITHMA WIJEBANDARA — Nathasha Rajapaksha (Kegalle) KEGALLE ආයෙ ත් මට අක්කව හම්බුනේ අපේ district එකේ mentoring වැ ඩෙ ත් එක්ක ඒකෙ දි අක්ක එක්ක co team එකේ member කෙ නෙ ක් විදියට මට වැ ඩ කරන්න හම්බුනා . ඉතින් ඔය වැ ඩේ මුලම දවස් වල group call එකක් ගත්තා .මට ඕකට යන්න බැ රි උනා . කො මහරි පහුවදා මන් උදේ ම සමි අක්කට call කලා . මන් අක්කට හේ තු කියද්දි අක්ක මට කීව එහෙ ම හේ තු කියන එක නිදහසට කා රණා තමයි වගේ ම කො හො මද මේ වගේ දේ කදි ඒ වගකීම අරන් හරියට වැ ඩ කරන්නෙ සහ තව ගො ඩක් දේ වල්, ඉතින් මන් එදා හිතා ගත්තා මො කක් හරිම වගකීමක් එක්ක මට වැ ඩක් දුන්නො ත් මන් ඒක කරන්න ඔනෙ කෝ මද කියල. මන් එ අතරෙ අක්කට ගො ඩක් thank කර මට ඒක ගැ න කියල දුන්නට. METHARA RANSILUNI MATARA — Rekshan Ruchintha (Badulla) ;u OQr ld,h ;=< Èia;%slalfha wfkla fidhqr fidhqßhka iuÕ b;du;a f,ka.;=j fidhqßhl fuka lghq;= lrñka ieuf.a wdorh Èkd .ekSug weh iu;a úh' fumuK l,lg weh ms<sn| wukdm is;ska jpkhla fyda mejiQ wfhl= ug yuq ù ke;' DAHAMI AMASHA GALLE — Dilni Ramyananda (Colombo) I have seen her photos of teaching at Ganitha Saviya which she shared on WhatsApp status, and it inspired me to join.
IMADU RODRIGO — Sandunika Jayasekara (Gampaha) GAMPAHA She inspires us in the way she handles variated situations, the way she take care of us, the love she spreads and how responsible she is. SANDANI DISSANAYAKE KURUNEGALA She inspired me to be successful in life. — Thiwanka Lochana Jayalath (Rathnapura) MATARA — J.M.P.D.Jayaweera (Matale) She has the best leadership qualities and a wonderful sense of sisterhood in our district. JANANI KALUTHARA — Danuka (Kaluthara) She loves everyone equally as a mother, and we call her our "සස්නකේ අම්මා ” THATHSARA DISSANAYAKE
03 THE SCULLY EFFECT weh uk#l,ams;h pß;hls" wehf.a n,mEu h:d¾:hls ^1993& jifra ^ & kd,sldfõ úldYkh ùu wdrïN jQ l;dud,dj" f,dj mqrd ckdorhg m;a jQjls' mÍlaIl f*dlaia fuda,av¾ yd Tyqf.a i.hd fâkd ial,Sf.a úl%uhka wNsryia yd w;aN+; l;d rislhkaf.a is;a i;ka ;=< we;s lf<a iq¿mgq Wkaudohla kï fkdfõ' l;d ud,dfõ m%Odk pß; foflka tlla jk fâkd ial,Sf.a pß;h" tod isg wo olajdu fjfiiskau ldka;d rislhkag we;s l< n,mEula ms<sn|j l;d lrkakghs wo uf.a iQodku' tA" ke;fyd;a ial,S wdprKhhs' Fox The X-Files FBI The Scully Effect FBI fâkd le;ßka ial,S" b;d nqoaêu;a" ;d¾lsl iy olaI ^ & mÍlaIlfhla iy ffjoHjßhla jQjdh' .s,shka wekav¾ika úiska rx.kfhka odhl jQ wehf.a pß;h" ^90& oYlfha fndfyda ldka;d pß; fuka iydhlfhl= fyda wdorjka;shla f,i fkdj" f*dlaia fuda,av¾ yd iu ;;ajfha miqjk jD;a;Sh i.fhl= f,iska ksrEmKh lrk ,§' jir .Kkdjla mqrdjg" m¾fhaIlhkag yd rislhkag oel.; yels jQ tla m%jK;djls( ^úoHdj" ;dlaIKh" bxðfkare úoHdj iy .‚;h& iy kS;s n,d;aul lsÍfï lafIa;%hkag fhduq jQ fndfyda ldka;djka" ;udg tA fjkqfjka Èßÿka pß;hla f,i y÷kajd ÿkafka ial,Sjhs' th wOHhkhg ,la lr" zial,S wdprKhZ hkqfjka kï lsÍug ;rï fuu n,mEu mq¿,a úh' STEM yqÿ ixl,amhla muKla fkdjk njg uf.a fm!oa.,sl w;aoelSuu idlaIshls' m<uq j;djg kerUQ Èkfha mgka uu ial,Sf.a pß;hg wdila; ùñ' tl, l=vd oeßhl jQ ud ÿgq tlu isyskh kï wkd.;fha weh n÷u ffjoHjßhla iy mÍlaIlfhl= ùuhs' jhiska jefvoa§" uf.a wruqKq yd isysk ;j;a ixlS¾K jQj;a" weh ud ;=< frdamKh l< îch tA iEu wruqKlu" iEu isyskhlu yrfha mej;=‚' ch.ekSug wiSre wNsfhda.hkag" fkdie,S uqyqK fokakg ud Èßu;a lf<a wehhs' The Scully Effect The X-Files FBI Her Narrative