The President’s Pledges to Women — A review of the promises and progress made in President Sirisena’s pledge: “A New Sri Lanka for Women”

Abstract

President Maithripala Sirisena pledged ‘A New Sri Lanka for Women’, during his election campaign. The pledge is an ambitious document; it comprises fifteen broad promises, by which the government seeks to alter the lives of women across all age groups, education levels, social statuses and industries. This report, released exactly one year since President Sirisena won the presidential election on 8 January 2015 offers a review of the progress made on the President’s promises up to date. It also offers policymakers and advocates suggestions on further steps that could be taken to fulfil these promises. More specifically, it is a compilation of articles written by several researchers on nine specific actionable promises that emerge from the President’s manifesto. Each chapter represents a separate promise made by the President. The first section of each article illustrates the current context of the pledge, which includes background information, past and present initiatives, and weaknesses in existing structures. The second part then outlines what further steps need to be taken by the government to fulfil the President’s pledges.