Yes, She Can!
Meet four women in Sri Lanka’s Parliament paving the way for more representation
In Sri Lanka, women have made significant strides in running for office, getting elected, and representing their fellow citizens. Since 2015, USAID has worked with the Parliament of Sri Lanka, multi (political) parties, and government and local organizations to equip women and girls across the country with resources to serve as voices in their community and nation.
In honor of International Day of Parliamentarism, hear from women who are members of Sri Lanka’s Parliament — including the second female secretary general of the Parliament of Sri Lanka — and find out what inspires them and how they strive to continue increasing the country’s inclusion of women in politics.
Rohini Kumari Wijeratne, Deputy Co-Chair of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus
An educator by profession, Wijeratne won a seat in the 8th parliament representing the United National Party (UNP), then in the next convocation representing Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB). Currently serving as a deputy chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus, she is the only woman to be elected from her district to date.
Q: What advice would you give to women and girls considering careers in politics?
A: Lead by example. We need more women and youth to lead this country. Most of Sri Lanka’s legislation and policies are decided by men. For full representation in Sri Lanka, women and youth need to enter politics and contribute to the country’s future plans and policies.
Q: What motivated you to run for Parliament?
A: The negative reaction by my male counterparts motivated me. Without opposition, I may have not given up my teaching career. I had to work extra hard to even get my nomination to run for Parliamentary elections.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share about your experiences or views?
A: In Sri Lanka, we have shown by example that women can work across political parties. We increased the number of women elected at local government from less than 2% to 23% in 2018, and brought a women’s empowerment and gender equality bill to Parliament. We sit together, focus on issues of women together, and come up with solutions for women, also together. Irrespective of our political party differences, we can still work together to achieve better results for the people we serve. This is something our male counterparts have yet to achieve.
Seetha Arambepola, Deputy Co-Chair of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus and State Minister of Health
Dr. Seetha Arambepola is an Ear, Nose, and Throat surgeon. Serving as the governor of the Western Province from December 2019 to March 2020, she resigned her position to enter Parliament through the National List of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna political party. She currently serves as State Minister of Health.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in politics?
A: No one inspired me more than my father. Though not actively involved, he read extensively and watched films related to political history, encouraging me to do the same.
Q: What advice would you give to women and girls considering careers in politics?
A: It is essential to complete higher education and enter politics as an educated individual. You should remain resilient against unwarranted social media attacks and steer clear of corruption.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share about your experiences or views?
A: Female politicians often face more scrutiny regarding their capabilities, decisions, and successes compared to their male counterparts. The prevailing belief that politics and leadership are male domains must change.
Sudarshani Fernandopulle, Chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus
Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle is a specialist medical officer of community medicine by profession and current chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus. She held previous ministerial portfolios such as the State Minister of Primary Health Services, Pandemics and COVID Prevention; and Deputy Minister of Higher Education.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in politics?
A: After the death of my beloved husband, his constituents requested me to enter politics to complete the legacy he was working toward, which inspired me to enter politics in 2010.
Q: Who were your role models or influences growing up?
A: My first role model is my mother. She always empowered me to go on and do my best in life. Secondly my late husband remains my role model. The legacy he left behind and his dedicated service to his community influenced me as a model I have sought to emulate since.
Q: What advice would you give to women and girls considering careers in politics?
A: I encourage women in politics or those planning to enter politics to work within their party structures, no matter how difficult it is. We do not have independent candidates, so it is very important that you advocate and lobby for internal party reforms — and don’t be confined to women’s political structures. We need to push for more women to be in decision-making positions, network with women-led organizations, and support women. When women support women, we are stronger. Be assertive and keep fighting for what you believe in.
Kushani Anusha Rohanadeera
Reaching the high office of Secretary-General of Parliament in 2023, Kushani Anusha Rohanadeera joined Parliament in February of 1999 as a Parliamentary Officer. She has served in various offices, including an Assistant Principal Officer and a Deputy Principal Officer.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in the Parliament of Sri Lanka?
A: I had a very young child at the time and needed to work closer to home. Once I joined Parliament as a coordinating secretary to two Secretary Generals, I realized the amount of work that goes into the role of the Secretary General. I loved my job, and the very thought of legislative making for the benefit of my country was truly inspiring. I decided that I needed a legal education to fully contribute to the functions of the job, and pursued a Bachelor of Law degree while working. Through this qualification, I was able to obtain the position of Assistant Secretary General.
Q: What motivated you to run for Secretary General?
A: While working as the coordinating secretary, I saw how influential and strong the position of Secretary General was. This was the highest post one could take within the Parliament, and it came with greater responsibilities and challenges that I felt equipped to take on. As a woman, I felt I could make a difference for women in the Parliament once in the role of Secretary General.
Q: What advice would you give to women and young girls considering careers in politics?
A: Never give up.
USAID works with local partners in Sri Lanka to promote inclusive economic growth, strengthen its democratic systems, and support marginalized communities. This programming aligns with the U.S. government’s vision to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific in which all nations are connected, prosperous, resilient, and secure.
About the Author
Katherine Morgan is a Senior Communications Specialist at USAID.
