Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga (CBK) has spoken candidly about the challenges of balancing state responsibilities with motherhood, recalling long hours of work, strict organization, and the values she instilled in her children.
Speaking at a public event, Kumaratunga said she often worked 15‑hour days, beginning after sending her children to school at 7:30 a.m. and continuing until late at night.
“Working like that was difficult, but we had to. Because the goals we set ourselves were difficult to achieve, were challenging, and I was determined to achieve them,” she noted.
She emphasized that despite financial constraints, she managed household responsibilities by selling land and balancing accounts, while relying on efficient officials to support her in government.
Importantly, she stressed that no relatives were given jobs, except one trusted housekeeper, and that appointments were based on skill and experience.
Reflecting on her parenting, Kumaratunga said she was proud her children had pursued education to the highest levels and lived without corruption or scandal.
“You can do a very difficult, challenging job, work difficult hours, but if you organize your work and your private life in such a manner, you can still give your children the values and the right atmosphere to become good human beings,” she said.
She added that her own upbringing in a convent school and observing her parents’ conduct shaped her values, which she in turn passed on to her children. (Newswire)