Sri Lankan PM Highlights Women's Role in Economic Growth

• The economy of Sri Lanka requires that impediments that restrain female representation in business, management, and decision-making are removed
• The contribution of Women to the economy is at 29 percent

The economic revival and development in Sri Lanka are associated with the removal of systemic impediments that prevent women from participating actively in business activities, leadership, and decision-making processes as stated by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Women-based businesses, despite the immense talent they possess, have been underutilized, and the economic contribution made by women now stands at 29 percent.

At the Women's Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) Prathibhabhisheka - Women Entrepreneur Awards of 2025 in Colombo, Dr. Amarasuriya highlighted the factor of women being absent in jobs and at seats of decision-making not because they have less talent and ambition but because of structural issues.

Patriarchal systems, inequality of access to capital, as well as a lack of participation in networks, were some factors identified by her as impeding the economic participation of women.

For the Prime Minister, the economic integration of women was a macro-economy requirement for recognizing productivity capabilities when the economy was facing reforms.

According to Dr. Amarasuriya, the concept of authority in leadership must change because, according to traditional definitions, authority ignores the challenges that women encounter in their working environment.

Women tend to handle multiple roles while meeting performance standards using fewer resources. She also cited the study that women leaders exhibit high levels of communication, empathy, and shared decision-making skills, resulting in healthy organizations, teams, and a healthy working environment.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the imbalance that exists with regard to opportunities within the women's enterprise environment.

Although some women entrepreneurs have managed to make a name for themselves; there are those who are operating on their own without support from institutions. "Solidarity has to be structural; women must be empowered to lead together rather than compete for opportunities."

Such platforms, the WCIC included, are strategic interventions in the economy that help in building women-owned and women-led businesses and increase women’s influence over resources, decisions, and economic outcomes, according to her.