The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Rome celebrated the International Women’s Day on 08 March 2024 at the Embassy premises with the participation of Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Italy Jagath Wellawatte, staff of the Embassy, and ladies of the Sri Lankan community in Italy.
In her welcome remarks, Third Secretary of the Embassy Melki Perera highlighted the diversity and talents of women and the importance of women’s empowerment in today’s context. As this year International Women’s Day is celebrated under the “Inspire Inclusion” theme, she underscored the importance of creating environments where all women are treated with respect and empowered to succeed in the society.
Spouse of the Sri Lankan Ambassador Shalika Wellawatte, in her speech highlighted the value and uniqueness of a woman as a mother and her pivotal role in the family.
Prof. Giovanna Giulia Zavettieri of the University of Roma Tor Vergata took part in this celebration as the guest speaker. She spoke about the importance of geography, gender equality, and the deep ties between Sri Lanka and Italy. Professor Zavettieri also spoke of the requirement of continuous and collaborative commitment from everyone to promote a fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable world for future female generations.
Consultant, Operational Innovations Adviser, Change, Deliver and Innovation Unit Office of the President and Vice President of IFAD Manavi Perera also spoke at the event. In her remarks, she highlighted how Sri Lankan girls excel in education, surpassing global metrics with significant margins. Those notable achievements includes completion of educational cut-offs with higher rates which underscores the positive impact of educational equity initiatives in Sri Lanka, particularly in girls’ education.
In addition, the ladies representing the Sri Lankan community in Italy also shared their journeys as women, the challenges that they faced, and their views and opinions for the betterment of the younger female community.
The vote of thanks of the event was delivered by Consular Assistant of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Rome Sajeewa Sirithunga.