Global leaders gathered in Manila this week to advance the conversation on women’s empowerment.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the International Women’s Day flagship event hosted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at its headquarters in Manila, Philippines.
The event brought together senior ADB leadership, members of the diplomatic community, and international development partners to mark International Women’s Day and reaffirm global commitments to gender equality.
Delivering the keynote address, Harini Amarasuriya highlighted the critical role education plays in empowering women and girls.
She noted that equitable access to quality education remains one of the most effective tools for driving social and economic transformation.
The Prime Minister also pointed to the country’s long-standing commitment to education.
She stressed the importance of building inclusive learning systems that allow women to participate fully in national development and economic progress.
At the same time, the Prime Minister drew attention to a frequently overlooked issue.
Further Stated:
She highlighted the significant contribution of women’s unpaid care work, which often remains unrecognised despite its essential role in supporting families, communities, and national economies.
According to the Prime Minister, governments must introduce stronger policies and social protection systems that recognise and support care work. Such measures would allow more women to participate actively in the economy.
She also addressed broader structural challenges affecting gender equality.
The Prime Minister emphasised the need to increase women’s participation in political decision-making and the labour force, noting that inclusive governance and economic participation are essential for sustainable development.
She further called for stronger collaboration between governments, international institutions, and development partners to remove barriers that limit women’s opportunities.
During the event, Harini Amarasuriya received the Shireen Lateef Women’s Leadership Award in recognition of her commitment to advancing women’s leadership and empowerment.
The programme opened with remarks from the President of the Asian Development Bank and senior ADB officials. It also featured a high-level discussion on advancing gender equality across the region.
The Prime Minister’s participation underscored Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with global institutions in promoting gender-responsive development policies and women’s empowerment.
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Asian Development Bank (ADB) Prime Minister’s Office
Last modified: March 10, 2026
