Opposition MP Harsha de Silva has criticised the government over the lack of funding and operational support for Sri Lanka’s newly established National Women’s Commission, following the resignation of its inaugural Chairperson.
In a social media post, de Silva said he had questioned the Ministry of Finance at the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) last week over the zero budget allocation for the Commission, despite government claims of progressive gender policies, including the appointment of a female Prime Minister and an increased number of women Members of Parliament.
He noted that the Chairperson, Dr. Ramani Jayasundere, had resigned just months after the Commission’s establishment, citing the absence of funds, office facilities and staff, leaving the body inoperative.
“The Prime Minister speaks powerfully on unpaid care work at Davos, but words mean little without actual funding and operational support here in Sri Lanka,” de Silva said, calling for tangible action and resources for women’s rights initiatives.
The National Women’s Commission was established under the 2024 Women’s Empowerment Act as an independent institution mandated to safeguard women’s rights and advise the government on gender policy.
Jayasundere’s resignation has raised concerns among activists and opposition lawmakers over the Commission’s ability to function independently, with critics pointing to delays in funding, staffing and infrastructure as key obstacles.
Women’s rights advocates have urged the government to ensure parliamentary-approved funding, independent premises and transparent recruitment processes to enable the Commission to fulfil its mandate. (Newswire)
Last week at #CoPF, I questioned the MoF on the zero budget allocation for the new National Women’s Commission, despite Govt boasts of progressive policies with a female PM & record female MPs.
Now, just months in, inaugural Chair Ramani Jayasundere has resigned, citing no… pic.twitter.com/NfSoUZD5VP
— Harsha de Silva (@HarshadeSilvaMP) January 28, 2026