Today is International Women’s Day. The theme on which this special day is marked is Empower the Woman for a Sustainable Future.

The national event to mark Women’s Day was held in Ampara today, under the auspices of President Maithripala Sirisena.

The event, organised by the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs, was held at the Ampara Municipal Council Grounds. It was presided over by the president and was attended by ministers and MPs.

A number of selected widows were presented with houses to mark the programme initiated by the National Housing Development Authority.  A religious ceremony was organised at the Navagamuwa Sri Pattini Devalaya to mark Women’s Day.

• Colombo & City schools closed this week
• US delegation to meet PM today
• Colombo, and City schools closed from 27th to 1st
• Queues remain despite no assurances of imports
• TUs concerned about fuel availability