Colombo: Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering an environment where women in Sri Lanka can thrive and contribute their talents fully. She made these remarks while addressing the “IMRA Awards for Excellence 2025,” organized by the IMRA Foundation, at the Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo.

According to News.LK, the Prime Minister spoke passionately about the achievements and contributions of Muslim women in Sri Lanka, highlighting their roles in various fields such as law, healthcare, education, media, and entrepreneurship. She praised their dedication and emphasized that these women are not only participants in society but also architects of its future. Dr. Amarasuriya called for the dispelling of outdated stereotypes, asserting that Muslim women are at the forefront, leading with strength and wisdom.

Dr. Amarasuriya addressed broader societal issues, acknowledging that misogynistic beliefs affect perceptions of women in Sri Lanka. She highlighted challenges such as domestic violence, online abuse, and low participation of women in politics and decision-making roles. The Prime Minister emphasized the need to recognize these as societal issues rather than problems of specific communities, urging a collective effort to address them.

During the ceremony, awards were presented to several women for excellence in various fields. Notable recipients included Ms. Shaeeda Barrie for Legal and Advocacy, Ameena Hussein for Art and Culture, and Prof. Faseeha Noordeen for Health and Medicine. Lifetime Achievement awards were presented to Sandra Wanduragala, Shivanandini Duraiswamy, Sunela Jayawardena, and Anberiya Hanifa.

The event saw attendance from a distinguished gathering, including the Governor of the Western Province, Mr. Hanif Yusoof, former politician Ferial Ashroff, and numerous entrepreneurs committed to advancing Sri Lanka’s future.