Our first edition of the 2024 Beyond Victims Series brings you stories of inspiring women political leaders from Sri Lanka.
Dive in to read stories of Mazeena Bucker, Vrai Balthazaar, Chanu Nimesha, Rosi Senanayaka, Seetha Arambepola, and Kushani Anusha Rohanadeera.
Mazeena Bucker
Mazeena has worked across social work organisations and as a politician now, has used her roles to influence policies on women’s political participation. She also works with organisations towards inclusive political dialogue and strengthening the role of women in local governance.
Vraie Balthazaar
She challenged oppressive state policies, advocated for political consciousness, and feminism as an activist who is now a political candidate for the new Sri Lanka government. She is committed to ensure a safer future for children in Sri Lanka and remains an advocate and inspiration for women’s political participation in Sri Lanka.
– Multiple Sources
Chanu Nimesha
Sri Lanka’s first transgender politician, she made history by contesting in the recent parliamentary election. Estranged from her family, she campaigned independently and became a prominent activist. She was also an active participant in Sri Lanka’s 2022 civic movements, advocating for change and inclusion.
Rosi Senanayaka
Rosi is a prominent Sri Lankan MP, former State Minister for Child Affairs, and diplomat. She’s advocated for women’s empowerment, education, healthcare, and children’s rights. As UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador and High Commissioner to Malaysia, she focused on migrant health. In 2018, she became Colombo’s first woman mayor.
Seetha Arambepola
An ENT surgeon who stepped into politics, she served as Governor of the Western Province before joining Parliament via the National List of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party. As State Minister of Health and former State Minister of Skills Development, she focuses on healthcare, women’s and children’s welfare, and educational innovation.
– Medium and Lanka Express
Kushani Anusha Rohanadeera
An influential politician and Secretary-General of Parliament, she began her career in 1999 as a Parliamentary Officer, eventually holding key roles like Deputy Secretary-General and Chief of Staff. With experience in banking, environmental conservation, and education management, she focuses on empowering women in politics and using education to drive social change.
– Lankainformation and The Morning
Project Management: Ragini Puri
Contributors: Nishant Pawa
Edited by: Sugandha
Design: Ragini Puri
Template: Vida Seraphina (https://vidaseraphina.dk/)
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