SLFUW has taken initiatives to enhance opportunities for modern education in schools that are unable to afford the facilities and to organize seminars and workshops to strengthen professional education in university students and graduates.

The Government of Sri Lanka is keen to introduce smart education in schools through Smart Classrooms. Smart education is a system that allows students to learn by using up to date technology and it enables students to study with various materials. Standards are also essential for the development of smart education since it heavily relies on information and communication technologies. It is a combination of ICT technology with appropriate teaching and learning approaches. SLFUW will support the establishment of such facilities in rural and urban schools that do not have such facilities.

SLFUW has been engaging University students in activities of sharing knowledge that will widen their education on contemporary matters and leadership by introducing well-known personalities as resource persons.

“Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving” – Hank Rosso

Sri Lanka Federation of University Women (SLFUW) a charitable organisation has been engaging in empowering women and girls with lifelong education and helping the underprivileged since its inception in Sri Lanka. Over the past years, funds were raised by various means namely through scholarships, donations by well-wishers (individuals & Organisations) and members of the SLFUW to materialize the mission of this organisation. Also, time to time stage plays, musical evenings, members’ get-togethers were also organised to raise necessary finances to fund the projects undertaken by the SLFUW. However, post the first quarter of 2019, as the country was hit by the Easter bomb attack and the COVID-19 pandemic, SLFUW was unable to carry out its noble work in its usual manner as the said incidents had an adverse impact on the financing and fundraising activities.

However, when the new council was formed for the year 2022/2023, financing and fundraising committee was set up to revive the financing and fundraising activities of the SLFUW.

• As the initial step, all the fixed deposits of SLFUW maintained with the Bank of Ceylon and National Savings Bank were amalgamated at the respective banks to derive the benefits of the high-interest rates that prevailed in the economy.
• Secondly, the hostel accommodation facility available for the undergraduate students maintained by the SLFUW was streamlined so that the contribution generated will cover up the expenses related to the hostel project such as utility payments related to the hostel, security charges etc.
• As a fundraising project, the hiring of the Auditorium, board room and the garden area recommenced for establishments and organisations at a reasonable fee for conducting training programmes, corporate functions, conferences, workshops etc. Over the past few months, we were able to generate a fair amount of funds through this venture. A flyer was also designed and was shared among WhatsApp groups to promote this facility.

With the current financing and fund-raising projects in hand and future projects like member get- togethers, musical evenings, etc and through sponsorships and donations, the committee hopes to generate necessary funds to finance various projects that will be undertaken in the future by SLFUW in line with the mission of the organisation.

The SLFUW Hostel is housed in a single storied building which had been constructed after obtaining Kitulwatta property. Initially, it was used to carry out empowerment programs with occupational training courses for the unemployed and the underprivileged. However, due to the shortage of residential facilities provided by the government, on a request made by the University of Colombo, the building was converted into a hostel for undergraduate female students who come from far off areas of the island

The hostel provides both single -room and two- per room sharing accommodation for the students. At present there are 24 occupants. Considering the prime location and proximity to the University and the security and facilities provided, the rent is reasonable and relatively nominal in comparison with those of many other hostels.

Accommodation-wise, the hostel has a common room area, a kitchen, a laundry room, and a set of flush toilets and washbasins. Other facilities include a TV, fans in the bedrooms as well as in the common areas. Garbage bins and garbage disposal facilities too are provided

For their own safety and well-being, the occupants have a set of rules and regulations to abide by. The SLFUW maintains a record for each student, and a security guard is also kept to ensure their safety.

However at present, the Hostel building needs urgent repairs and renovations. Alongside, an upgrading of the facilities provided is also planned. In addition, it would be necessary to make certain adjustments in consideration of the escalating cost of electricity and water service. These would be made so as to minimize the financial burden on the student. The SLFUW hopes to initiate these repairs and renovations at the end of this year, around December 2023. Once they are completed, applications for hostel accommodation will be called afresh under a new set of rules and regulations.

The SLFUW has always been very concerned about the facilities provided to the students as well as their welfare and security. It will continue to do so, and upgrade the services provided as much as possible.

“Membership is within your reach”. We are inviting you to join hands with us

The SLFUW has grown rapidly and now possesses a wide base of members both in and outside of Sri Lanka. This bears testimony to its proactive programs and the services it renders

Nevertheless, our Organization, dating back to 1941, is still open to and warmly welcomes new members from Sri Lanka and from abroad. Now, with the opening of our website, we have made it easier for University Women to gain membership.

Eligibility Criteria for membership

Any woman who possesses a Degree from a recognized University in Sri Lanka or in any other country would be eligible to apply for membership of the SLFUW.

For their convenience, a sample application form has been provided on our website. It has to be filled in and submitted with an image/copy of the applicant’s Degree Certificate as well as proof of payment of the membership fee.

The life membership fee is Rs. 2,000 for Sri Lankan graduates and Rs. 15,000 for foreign graduates.

Membership of the SLFUW entitles members to the following benefits.

• The confidence that their rights & interests as University Women would be safeguarded.
• Provide an opportunity to network with front end professionals both locally and internationally.
• Be able to participate in community welfare activities.
• Gain the ability to expand one’s knowledge and awareness through seminars, workshops & knowledge sharing sessions.
• Obtain assistance for further studies and research.
• Make use of free medical camps to safeguard health.
• Obtain Testimonials for career advancement through active participation in SLFUW service projects

We invite University Women in the world to join hands with us and contribute their mite to make this world a better place to live in.

Empowering Women through Education and Advocacy

As the Press and Publicity Officer of the Sri Lanka Federation of University Women (SLFUW), I am honored to represent an organization dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of women in our society. SLFUW mission is to foster education, promote gender equality, and advocate for the rights and well- being of women graduates across Sri Lanka.

At SLFUW, we firmly believe that education is a fundamental tool for empowering women and transforming communities. Through our various programs and initiatives, we strive to create an environment where women can access quality education, develop their skills, and unleash their full potential. We work tirelessly to break down barriers that hinder women’s educational opportunities, including gender stereotypes, socio-economic disparities, and cultural limitations.

Our organization recognizes the importance of advocacy in driving positive change. We actively engage with policymakers, government bodies, and civil society to raise awareness of women’s rights and influence policy decisions that promote gender equality. We firmly believe that by amplifying women’s voices, advocating for their rights, and challenging societal norms, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

As the Press and Publicity Officer, my role is to effectively communicate the work and achievements of SLFUW to the public, media, and stakeholders. I am committed to ensuring that SLFUW message reaches a wider audience, sparking conversations, and inspiring action towards gender equality. Through strategic communication plans, media engagements, and engaging content creation, I aim to shed light on the remarkable initiatives undertaken by SLFUW and the impact they have on the lives of women in Sri Lanka.

I encourage you to explore our website, follow our social media channels, and engage with our activities to stay updated on our latest endeavors. Together, we can build a society that values and empowers women, ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and lead.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact SLFUW at slfuwoffice@gmail.com. I look forward to collaborating with members of the press, stakeholders, and individuals who share our vision for a more equal and inclusive Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Federation of University Women (SLFUW) annually awards scholarships to women University Undergraduates. These are awarded to those who are experiencing economic hardships but who yet perform outstandingly in the GCE O-Level and University Examinations. The SLFUW is able to offer several scholarships as a result of the generous contributions received from prestigious SLFUW members as well as well-wishers. As evident from the following table, the donors who financed the respective scholarships have each laid down certain criteria for the selection of the recipients. Interest received annually from the capital amount on deposit in the SLFUW Fund is used to finance the scholarship awarded in each particular year.

Perpetual Scholarships

The mission of this committee is to work together as a team in helping members as well as society at large through different social activities. The social and welfare committee of SLFUW has been able to initiate several social activities in the recent past too and an array of programmes to be carried out in the future.

Activities

• Organizing cultural events such as new year festivals, Christmas parties, religious ceremonies etc.
• Organizing health care campaigns for deserving areas/communities.
• Excursions for members.
• Organizing, coordination and distribution of essential and basic necessities to needy people during natural disasters and persuading for the well-being of affected people with necessary guidance and resources.
• Distribution of Nutritious food items for low-income pregnant mothers.
• Organizing social events such as Members’ Day, get-togethers etc.
• Organizing career guidance programs and job fairs for university students.
• Helping with common amenities for the benefit of the deserving University students of SLFUW Hostel.

With the current financing and fund-raising projects in hand and future projects like member get- togethers, musical evenings, etc and through sponsorships and donations, the committee hopes to generate necessary funds to finance various projects that will be undertaken in the future by SLFUW in line with the mission of the organisation.

Members’Day

This event will be open to all the members of SLFUW. It will be a day with full of fun & fellowship. We invite all the members to be present on this day and make it a memorable day. This event is being planned to conduct during the month of September 2023.

SLFUW inaugurated & launched its website on the 14th of November 2012. This year, the Website Committee has taken necessary steps to re-launch it with some attractive features. To get the website updated from time to time, add on new features as and when required & proper maintenance of the website are some of the tasks assigned to this Committee

SLFUW had drafted and finalized its constitution 82 years ago and it had been done by a panel of members with a sound legal background. We have received views and suggestions on proposed changes, adding new clauses, and amendments to be done from Past Presidents, senior members and also from legal professionals. Taking all these into consideration, the Constitutional Review Committee felt the importance of revamping the Constitution and making some important amendments to it.

Present Constitutional Review Committee consists of below members

Dr. Udula Krishnaratne

Dr. Nirmalie De Silva

Dr. Dayani Panagoda

Dr. Champa Codipilly

Deepani Fernando

Rukmani Samaranayake