Colombo: Retired Ambassador Grace Asirwatham has been appointed as the Chairperson of the National Commission on Women (NCW) by the President of Sri Lanka on the recommendation of the Constitutional Council.

According to News.LK, the National Commission on Women was established under the Women Empowerment Act No. 37 of 2024. It is tasked with promoting, protecting, and advancing women’s rights and gender equality in Sri Lanka. The Commission is also responsible for investigating violations or potential violations of women’s rights.

Since its formal establishment in September 2025, the Commission has been working towards achieving full operationalisation. This includes developing its institutional framework, administrative systems, human resources, and infrastructure.

Grace Asirwatham brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having served as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to several countries, including Nepal, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Additionally, she held the position of Head of Mission to
the European Union and served as Deputy Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

The Commission’s team comprises members Shreen Saroor, Janaha Selvaras, Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala, Dr. Padma Gunaratne, Dr. Kalana Senaratne, and M.U. Gayani, with K.D.R. Olga as Executive Director. Together, they are working towards making the Commission fully operational to effectively advance the rights and empowerment of women in Sri Lanka.