Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazar has strongly condemned what she described as the normalisation of harassment and misogyny targeting women in leadership, responding to recent controversial remarks directed at Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.
In a statement shared publicly, Balthazar said that when women step into positions of power—particularly those who refuse to conform to societal expectations—their professional work is often sidelined in favour of scrutiny of their personal lives.
She noted that many women in public life do not fit into a “neat work–life balance,” stressing that their lives have been shaped by the very roles they fought hard to earn. “That is not a flaw. That is commitment,” she said.
The Colombo Mayor warned against the acceptance of harassment, stating that it is sometimes carried out openly and at other times enabled through silence. “Silence, too, is a choice,” she said, calling on society to reject bullying disguised as commentary and misogyny presented as concern.
Balthazar added that women must stand together in refusing to ignore such behaviour, pledging continued support for women leaders who challenge norms and face backlash simply for existing in positions of power. (Newswire)