The United National Party did not allow any female speaker to address the massive public demonstration organized by the party at Galle Face Green this evening.<\/p>\n
Although women form nearly 52 per cent of the population and a similar proportion of the country’s total voter-base, the UNP did not acknowledge the female voters by giving a female speaker an opportunity to speak at today’s rally.<\/p>\n
UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, in his speech at the rally today, boasted that it was the largest political rally organized by the party in 25 years. The party also often congratulates itself on the legislative reform that ensured 25% female representation at the Local Government level.<\/p>\n
Several front-line female politicians of the party, namely Rosy Senanayake, Chandrani Bandara and Hirunika Premachandra, were present at the rally today. None of them was invited to speak by the organizers.<\/p>\n
In addition to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, UNP MPs Sajith Premadasa, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Ravi Karunanayake, Sarath Fonseka, Patali Champika Ranawaka and Mujiber Rahuman spoke at the Galle Face rally today.<\/p>\n