History
Brief History of Sri Lanka Federation of University Women (1941 to 2023)
Eighty two years is a very long period spanning over three generations. To survive amidst the generation gaps is very challenging and the Sri Lanka Federation of University Women (SLFUW) has successfully weathered all such storms to blossom into what it is today. Obviously, there would have been bunches of courageous women without whose dedication such a success could not have been possible and they deserve an unreserved appreciation.
The women who came together to establish the Federation in 1941 were either graduates of foreign universities or foreigners who were for various reasons residing in Sri Lanka. Clara Motwani the founder President with a Master’s Degree in Education who had arrived in 1933 and who remained here for the rest of her life, British born Doreen Wickremasinghe, Hilda Kularatne nee Westbrook, Indian born Susan George Pulimood, Grace Paul and the British national Marjorie Westrop were the pioneers of SLFUW.
The first Sri Lankan president of the SLFUW, Grace Paul (1944-46 and 1958-59) and Ms. Westrop with their deep interest in the Federation worked hard to draw together the graduate women of Kandy to form a branch of SLFUW.
With such women at its helm the Federation began its career of service. Although provincial associations were set up in Kandy, Jaffna, Galle and Batticaloa, with provision for their representation in the main council in Colombo, the adverse effects of the war on social life precluded them from fruition.
The early meetings were informal social events held in the houses of the President or the schools in which she taught. They were sometimes held in the University Hostel in Colombo through the good offices of its Warden who was an active member. With no headquarters, no paid secretaries, and no foreign funding SLFUW grew gradually in strength, nevertheless nurtured solely by the spirit and perseverance of its pioneering members.
In 1946 the Federation gained international recognition by its affiliation to the parent body, the International Federation of University Women (IFUW). The benefits accrued to the SLFUW by this affiliation was the ability to apply for scholarships offered annually by the IFUW, the American Association of University Women ( AAUW) and other associates. Several of our members have
been beneficiaries. Our members were eligible to serve on the Board of Officers of the IFUW on its various committees and to represent it at meetings of the UN and agencies like ECOSOC, UNESCO and ILO. Wimala de Silva an eminent member, served on the Status of Women and Cultural Relations Committee of the IFUW. Our members travelling abroad could stay in clubs set up in London and Paris.
Through its association with the IFUW the SLFUW had keeps in touch with the activities of University Women all over the world and co-operates in studies carried out by the IFUW. The SLFUW has been greatly enriched by its association with the IFUW.
Several members of the Federation who had expressed their views on national matters at public forums, were consulted on policy matters and served on the University Courts. They acted as a pressure group and prevented discrimination against women especially in the field of Education
In 1944 it submitted views and recommendations to the Kannangara Committee on Education for a Domestic Science College, which resulted in the setting up of a 2 year course in Domestic Science at the Training College for Teachers.
The earliest records reveal that the Federation has always tried to address itself to relevant and timely issues concerning the progress of women. In 1943/44 the Federation had begun compiling a booklet on Careers for Girls. At a time when women's participation in politics was marginal, the council unanimously agreed to work with UNESCO on a pilot project on Political Rights and Political Education of Women. In 1955, Dr J D N Verslyss, UNESCO representative in Delhi, discussed the practical aspects of the project. In 1956 Mrs. Howard Wriggins, member of the American Association of University Women spoke to our members on "Women in Elections in the US". In June 1957 Vivienne Goonewardena an M.P. gave a fiery speech on "Women in Politics and their role in the General Elections" at a panel discussion on the "Role of Women in Ceylon" The Federation's interest in this theme has continued for even in 1988 before the General Elections, The President of the SLFUW wrote to all the political parties requesting them to nominate more women candidates. Thus it is seen that at the end of the first two decades, the SLFUW had grown in strength and was able to influence national policies.
In 1965, in response to a protest against the ban on foreign examinations (which discriminated against women more than men since they were debarred from entering universities set up under the Pirivena Bill) provision was made to allow women to enter these universities in the following academic year. It also gave evidence before the University Commission and presented a series of amendments to the proposed Higher Education Bill (1966) to the Standing Committee of the House of Representatives.
As a consequence of the interest shown in Education the government invited the then President, Rene Perera to serve on the National Education Commission in 1961 when Policies on Education were being reformulated.
The three decades 1961-1991 was a period of steady growth when the Federation widened its activities gaining national and international status. By this time women graduates had overcome many hurdles and were present in every profession. Their varied expertise and viewpoints enriched the Federation adding variety and dignity to its gatherings. In 1962 the election of Yogeswari De Soysa gave a great impetus to the activities of the Federation. After her untimely death Chandra de Zoysa took over followed by Mahes Candiah, Rene Perera, Doreen Perera, Dayani Silva, Dorothi Abewickrama, Prof Swarna Jayaweera, Jezima Ismail and Ira Porage who maintained a keen interest in the Federation.
In 1969 an English language teaching program for women graduates who had studied through the national languages was started and then strengthened under the leadership of Chitra Wickremasuriya, Associate Professor of English, University of Colombo. In addition there was greater cooperation among IFUW affiliates in the region.
A determined effort was made to help women undergraduates in a variety of innovative ways e.g. a clothes bank for needy university students, free medical services with the help of some members who were doctors, free stationary courtesy of some firms, a counselling service and free English classes to explore ways and means of securing employment. The commitment of our members was seen when Dharma Tirunavakarasu offered to raise funds through a Bharatha Natyam performance by her talented daughter Thusitha under the patronage of the Governor General William Gopallawa. The proceeds were used to furnish one wing of the Women's Hostel in Vidyodaya University
The International Women's Decade (1975-1985) added a fresh dimension to SLFUW activities. In Sri Lanka women had enjoyed considerable freedom in society and were active in religious and cultural matters. They played a major role in agriculture which was the main economic activity. Their status had been approximating to equality with that of the man. However there were certain disabilities that women had to face in formal employment due to administrative and legislative discrepancies which were legacies of the colonial regime. The many Women's NGO's fed by the Federation brought pressure to rectify these. A major consequence of this was the establishment of the Women's Bureau, a government department in charge of women's issues. In 1978, the first Director was Vinitha Jayasinghe a council member of the SLFUW who gave much publicity and stature to the Bureau and also created the Seva Vanitha movement.
One of the most successful activities in this area was the Asian Regional Workshop (1978) on the Participation of University Women in Integrating Women and Children in the Development Process, organized on the initiative of Manel Abeysekera, the first Sri Lankan diplomat who was then the SFUW Coordinator, International Relations (CIR). She succeeded in getting the sponsorship of several funding organizations which led to wide participation from the affiliates of the region. When she was President another South Asian Regional Workshop on Increasing the Participation of Women in Housing Development was held.
The 1980's was a period when the SLFUW came to be more involved in IFUW work. Wimala de Silva was elected to the Status of Women and Cultural Relations Committee of the IFUW for 1980-1983.
During the tenure of Lakshmi de S Wijeratne, from 1982 to 1985 the SLFUW sought to strengthen the organization by obtaining from the UDA the land in Kitulwatte, Colombo 8 to construct our Headquarters. The foundation stone for such a building was laid when Helen Dunsmore, then President of IFUW visited Sri Lanka in 1984. Laksmi Wijeratne was generous to conduct the initial building which was renovated and being used as the hostel for underprivilege University Students.
During this decade the two achievements out of the many in the history of SLFUW were that it was Declared an approved charity in 1982 & Incorporated by Act of Parliament, No 12 of 1985.
In the IFUW visual Media Award Competitions of 1986 the one on the theme Women and Work won first place while in the same competition. In 1989 it won second place on the theme Women and Leadership. Both submissions were directed by Sumana Fernando.
In 1986 The SLFUW delegation to the Triennial Conference at Christchurch was headed by the President Manel Abeysekera who played an active part in drawing up the constitution to form the University Women of Asia. Malsiri Dias a former CIR, was invited by the IFUW to conduct a workshop on Project Formulation Processes.
The two years (1987-1989 ) was one of the darkest periods in the country's history when in addition to the ethnic conflict in the North there was a rebellion in the South which crippled the social structure. The universities did not function, schools were closed for long periods, there were transport strikes and work stoppages. In spite of this the SLFUW remained resilient and the Council Meetings of the SLFUW were held regularly.
At the 1989 Triennial Conference in Helsinki a young member, Kala Maheswaran, was appointed to compile a directory of young members in the fifty affiliated Federations of the IFUW
In the past the SLFUW has addressed itself to vocational training of deprived in both urban and rural. Cressida Senanayake organized a training programme in sewing and cutting for urban young women from low-income families and found placements for many. She received support for this project from UNICEF, the National Association for Total Education and the All-Ceylon Buddhist Women's Congress.
In 1989-1990 a project of very special significance, English Language Teaching for School Leavers, was organized in Uda Walawe, the first time that the SLFUW reached out to the rural areas. More importantly it was carried out successfully in a climate of terror which was sapping the morale of our people.
A SAARC Federation of University Women was established in the early 1990's under the leadership of Manel Abeysekera and its first meeting was held in Sri Lanka.
In the year 1991 a sewing project was initiated in Northwestern Province in the AGA divisions of Karuwalagaswewa, Polpithigama, Mahawewa, Kobeigane and the Janasaviya village of Rambawewa. This was funded by the Sri Lanka Canadian Fund.
There were Radio and Television broadcasts, and newspaper articles to promote ethnic harmony. With assistance from the Asia Foundation a School Uniform Project was started which served a dual purpose in that it trained 15 destitute girls in needlework and employed them to sew girls' school uniforms for children in refugee camps. Much of the credit goes to Anna Subramanium, chairperson of the project in whose house the girls were trained. The main event for this period was the Golden Jubilee celebration in 1991 - a commemoration of 50 years of active service by the members of the SLFUW.
It was held at Sausiripaya with HE. President Ranasinghe Premadasa as the Chief Guest. This momentous event was marked by a Seminar, the presentation of a publication, Growth and Development of the SLFUW, and the presentation of three scholarships. The President of the SLFUW, Deshabandu Wimala de Silva made a welcome speech and stated the objectives of the seminar.
The publication Growth and Development, edited and presented by Kalakeerthi Lorna Dewaraja at this event was an impressive piece of writing. In it was recorded in meticulous detail all the work that had been done and the manner in which the objectives of the Federation had been achieved. It also contained in-depth accounts of studies conducted by eminent members, reminiscences and appreciations as well as a visual record of important events. The Norwegian Agency for Development Co-operation gave financial assistance to publish the book.
The message from Dr. Mary Powell, President of the International Federation of University Women published in the 50th Jubilee Newsletter in 1991 reads: #IFUW is extremely proud of all that the SLFUW has accomplished in their 50 years. It has made a significant contribution to education and advancement of women and girls through its ongoing program of workshops, symposia, forum discussions and scholarships. The Resource and Training Centre for Women is an outstanding effort to reach out to those less privileged than yourselves. May you build on your past accomplishments to even greater achievements.
The decade commencing from 2001 can be considered one of the most momentous periods in the history of the SLFUW. The two main projects of this decade were the Tsunami Housing Project and Kitulwatte Project (SLFUW Resources and Training Center Project).
In the years 2004-2005 with Dr. Selvie Perera as President plenty of work was done in the areas of health and well-being as well as in Science and Technology.
The SLFUW held a series of workshops in 2004 to raise awareness on Gender and Reproductive Health. Abitha Muthalif, Norma de Silva, Malsiri Dias and others organized four workshops targeting students from several universities including Jaffna and The Eastern University. It covered all aspects related to the issue and provided accurate information while helping to remove the mystique from the subject. The workshops were held from October through December 2004.
In August 2004 the IFUW held its 28th Triennial Conference in Perth, Australia with the theme, "Humanizing Globalization: Empowering Women". Sunari Senaratne, a young member, attended the conference and participated in the Young Leader's Training programme. She also presented a paper titled Gender and the Public Domain: the Ideological Conflict at the seminar on Humanizing Globalization: political and economic perspectives.
On the 26th of December 2004, Sri Lanka was devastated by the worst natural disaster in its recorded history. The women of the SLFUW showed their best and brightest traits when dealing with both the immediate aftermath and beyond. Relief expeditions were made to the affected areas to assess the damage and to ascertain the pressing needs of the hapless victims in order to provide for these. Together with Focus 21, an NGO in its embryonic stage, dry food was distributed to 200 families, as well as schoolbooks and stationery to 250 school children so that they could attend school in January in the New Year. It was pointed out that the empathy and understanding shown to those who had lost their loved ones, their homes and their livelihoods, had been a great morale booster being more effective than the impersonal aid with which they were overwhelmed during the early days. This project was carried out under the leadership of Dr. Selvie Perera and group of SLFUW Members.
Thereafter the SLUFW organized themselves to help in concrete ways. With major contributions from University Women’s Federations in New Zealand, Japan and Spain as well as from Sri Lankan donors and with the collaboration of Sama International three houses were built in Payagala. The Tsunami housing project was highly commended by the IFUW.
On the 23rd of February 2005, a half-day seminar on mid-life health was held at the SLAAS auditorium which was well attended. It was organized by Dr. Selvie Perera with sponsorship from several pharmaceutical firms. A panel of specialist doctors made absorbing presentations on the causes, symptoms and preventive measures of several conditions that are on the increase among middle aged Sri Lankans. The seminar was chaired by Prof. Lalitha Mendis, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. The audience demonstrated their appreciation of this free seminar by making a voluntary donation
In February 27th a Senior Citizen’s Project was initiated at the request of the Kitulwatte Sangamaya who had identified 20 senior citizens in the immediate environs. Dr. Selvie visited their homes and carried out a basic medical examination. This project was seen more as an opportunity to build positive relations with future neighbours when the Resource and Development Center was completed.
As the foremost organization representing University Women the SLFUW responded with alacrity by organizing a series of lectures on the Tsunami, Rainwater Harvesting and Global Warming beginning on the 7 of March 2005. The convener Nimala Amarasuriya, a past President was able to get guest speakers who were in great demand at that time for their expert knowledge in these areas. She organized a series of lectures for the entire ear to be held once in two months. They were on various topical issues such as gender and violence, GM foods, environmental problems etc.
On the 5th of April 2005 the SLFUW together with the Social Services Society of the Colombo International School organized a New Year celebration for the young children in Kitulwatte. Chandralatha de Silva, Treasurer of the SLFUW and a biology teacher at the school liaised with both establishments and organized a very successful event.
On the 8th of May of that year the SLUW held a one-day workshop on Project Planning and Proposal Writing at the CENWOR Auditorium. This was aimed towards a specific group i.e. the local NGO sector and other institutes which were seen to be struggling to write proposals to obtain funding from donors. An experienced trainer, Dr. Steve Creech volunteered to conduct the seminar. The participants received methodical training in the entire process of planning, writing and budgeting. This project was organized as a fund-raising activity by Ms. Dinali Fernando with support from Ms. Malsiri Dias.
Another important workshop was conducted for the students of Ruhuna University on career guidance enabling undergraduates to understand employment trends and employer expectations. The two dynamic members who were involved were Dilrukshi Dias Wickremasinghe and Kelum Ranatunga. The three tsunami houses part of the 100 house construction effort by The Tsunami Rehabilitation arm of the Sama International Trust, were handed over to the owners in 2006. Later, a house was built in Balapitiya with funding from John Keells Holdings, and another in Sori Kalmunal in the Ampara district with funding from an anonymous donor – a sum of Rs 304,000. Dr. Selvie Perera obtained funds for this project too.
In January 2005 at a providential meeting between the President Dr. Selvie Perera and Mr. Merril Fernando of the MIF Charitable Foundation, the latter promised to fund the project. In confirming his commitment, Mr Merril Fernando wrote* “I place my utmost confidence in you and your team to make this R & T center, an example of similar projects”. The Foundation donated Rs. 3.7 million.
In June 2005 through the efforts of Chinta Munasinghe, the treasurer at that time, the Shinnyo-en Buddhist Order in Japan provided additional financial assistance of Rs. 2.6 million. On the 6th of April 2005 the foundation stone was laid and a multi-religious ceremony was held to bless the endeavor. Merril Fernando and Malik Fernando of the MJF trust were special invitees. As the building neared completion Deshamanya H.K. Dharmadasa made a donation in the memory of his wife, Meelin Dharmadasa, which paid for the landscaping of the spacious gardens of the center.
August 5th 2006 is a red letter day in the annals of the SLFUW when at long last, after years of putting up with temporary and inadequate office space, they had their own premises. The R & T Centre was ceremonially opened by Mr. Merril Fernando and Rev. Yutaka Okano of Shinnyo-en.
It was in this manner that the headquarters of the SLFUW, The Resource and Training centre, which would be used to improve the educational and vocational skills of university women was established. Dr Selvi Perera;s & Mrs Chintha Munasinghe’s names should be written in golden letters of the history of SLFUW. it was completed and declared opened when Jayanthi Liyanage was the President of SLFUW.
During Prof Nayani Melagoda’s tenure as president the Resource and Training Center auditorium was hired for the first time in February 2007 by the United Nations Population Association of Sri Lanka and later by the Universities of Colombo and Peradeniya for various events. Two workshops were held during2006-2007, a one-day seminar on USA The Rights Movement on the 4th of July 2007 in association with the American Embassy. The target group consisted of undergraduates and postgraduate students interested in American Studies. The other was a student orientation workshop for first-year students titled Student Outreach Project on Health and Education in August of that year. The Kandy Branch of the SLFUW remained active throughout this period. Several talks were held; one on Veddahs of Sri Lanka by Dr. Malkanthi Chandrasekera and another on Landslides by Prof. Kapila Dahanayake. A number of members published their writing in the form of poetry, short stories and textbooks as well as research papers.
They were Ms. Lakshmi Samarakoon, Ms Kamala Wijeratne, Prof. Piyaseeli Wijemanne, Ms. Jean Arasanayagam and Ms. Parvati Solomons Arasanavagam. Two members, Kamal Wijeratne and Lilamani Wanigasekera won recognition for their excellent teaching. Sumana Fernando published an award-winning book titled Footsteps in the Sand. Dinali Fernando’s tenure exemplified a conspicuous stress on useful and relevant workshops. The workshop on Reproduction and Sexual Health coordinated by Dr. Lilangani de Silva was so successful that there was a request to hold a repeat seminar for male students as well which was duly done. SLFUW was the first non-governmental organization to conduct seminars for teachers in Jaffna and Kahawatte. The workshop in Spoken Tamil fulfilled a strong desire to acquire basic communication skills in those who were hoping to volunteer in camps for Internally Displaced Persons.
2011-2013
Colonel Dr. Udula Krishnaratne was the elected President of the Federation. The SLFUW website was inaugurated with the cooperation of Dr. Mahesha Kapurubandara, Mrs. Shirley Rodrigo, Dr. Nirmali de Silva, and Dr. Lilangani de Silva. The website caught the attention of University Alumni and has led to a gradual increase in overseas membership. Prof. Nayani Melegoda who was then attached to the Hiroshima University Japan helped to link members of the Japanese Association of University Women with the SLFUW.
With the guidance of the President SLFUW, in February 2012 in collaboration with Unilever Sri Lanka, a career guidance program for university students – spanning 6 months – was organized by a young council member of the SLFUW, Ms. Piyumi Dias. Further, for the benefit of members and interested groups, a mid-life health seminar had been conducted during this period whilst to keep the member’s participation alive on SLFUW activities, a day outing programme, an event which had not taken place for a considerable period of time, Sinhala Aluth Avurudu & Christmas celebration had been organized,
Mrs. Vijitha Fernando a long standing member of the SLUW won the Kala Ratna Award at the 2011 State Literary Festival.
In March 2012 the Jaffna Branch was revived after a lapse of 20 years with the initiative of Dr Udula Krishnartne and the assistance of Dr. Mrs. Selvi Tiruchandran & Dr Selvi Perera. Udayani Navaratnam was elected president. Dr. Lilangani de Silva held a lecture on Reproductive Health in August while Dr. Udula Krishnaratne gave a lecture on Oral Hygiene to mentally retarded patients at Sahanaya Mental Hospital, Keselwatta, Panadura. That same year the SLFUW assisted the Blind Women’s Association to organize medical tests and also awarding 16 scholarships to needy University Students under SLFUW scholarship project. Under the New Scholarship Programme during 2012 a scholarship fund of Rs 100,000, the Dr. Saman Weerasinghe Scholarship had been initiated to help a student from the Department of Economics.
The SLFUW journal Wisdom of Women was released on International Women’s Day 2012. The occasion was graced by the First Lady of the country. The journal, edited by Dr. Nirmali De Silva carried articles by distinguished SLFUW members and the President of the Japanese Association of University Women, Reiko AOKI. Seven scholarships were also awarded at the same event. Shani Karunaratne played a key role in circulating copies of this journal among 54 Sri Lankan Embassies & High-Commissions in other countries in the world.
International Women’s Day was commemorated with a difference in 2013 with the establishment of an association for Visually Impaired Women Graduates. Attempts made to raise funds by having a benefit show of the play “Balloth Ekke Bey”, and by organizing a paduru party were successful. RS. 50,000 from the benefit show was donated to Visually Impaired Women. The hostel which had remained empty was rented for a while to Tharu Villas (Pvt) Ltd which brought in funds to support charity programmes conducted by SLFUW.
The SLFUW Hostel is housed in a single storied building which had been constructed after obtaining Kitulwatta property in 1990s. 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.
Indra Puvimanasinghe was elected as the President for the period of 2013 to 2015. During this period, the renovation work of the hostel building was commenced for the benefit of underprivileged University female Undergraduates and to facilitate them with affordable furnished accommodation. The funds for this project had been received from the SLFUW Central Fund and contributions and donations received from well- wishers. In October 2014, the hostel was reopened by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Kumar Hirimburegama.
Neliya Fernando, Dr. Selvie Perera, were able to get two sponsorships, the former from Asiri Hospitals to refurbish all the chairs and the latter from Mr.Dinesh Shafter for the provision of a sound system, two air conditioners and a multimedia projecaztor for the auditorium. The money earned from renting the auditorium, together with the hostel fees have also helped to increase SLUW’s income so that it is no longer a concern. Seela Ebert, who was elected as the President for the second time in 2015 (2001 -2003 & 2015 – 2016) is a very senior member of the Federation has given leadership to improve the standard of English education in rural areas. The highlighted event during this period was the reaching of another milestone of the history of SLFUW, 75 years and the celebration of the Diamond Jubilee. The Grand event was held at BMICH with the patronage of Hon Minister Susil Premajaynatha, as the Chief Guest and Mrs. Dilrukshi Dias Wickramasinghe Director General for Prevention of Bribery and Corruption as the Guest of Honor.
In line with Diamond Jubilee of SLFUW, Seventy-Five scholarships of single awards of Rs. 10,000 each were awarded to worthy second-year female undergraduates from various universities and a commemorative cover of Federation of University Women had been issued to mark the Diamond Jubilee.
During the tenure of Rukshan Dissanayake as the President of SLFUW (2016 – 2017), she had taken the initiative to equip the auditorium with high-quality head table & lectern, both made out of teak timber through her personal contacts. As a value addition to the facilities provided at the auditorium, Neeliya Fernando has taken the initiative to construct the patio adjoining the auditorium with contributions received from well-wishers. Dr. Nirmali De Silva was functioning as the president of SLFUW for the periods of 2017 -2018 and 2020 – 2022. During her first tenure she has given the leadership to work on selected themes aligned with United Nations declared Sustainable Development Goals and also whilst in keeping with the Objectives of SLFUW, commenced leadership and motivation programs to introduce Jayanthi Karu- Uthumpala and Johann Peiris , the first two Sri Lankans who had taken the challenge of Summiting of Mount Everest targeting the University Students at University of Peradeniya, University of Colombo, University of Sri Jayawardenapura, University of Jaffna, Sir John Kotalawala and Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology. International Women’s Day was marked with a lecture delivered by Dr. Damayanthi Perera who elaborated on toxins in food under the title of “Are we being poisoned”. That year too the traditional Christmas party was organized for the Children at Kithulwatta.
During the period of 2019 to 2022, after the Easter Sunday attack, when the whole world was battling with Corona Virus and Sri Lanka was undergoing political unrest with disturbances to day-today lives & activities of the majority of people in the country, establishments, organizations, etc. SLFUW too faced the brunt of them. Presidents of the Federation during these periods were, Sheela Ebert (2018 -2019), Indra Puvimanasinghe (2019 – 2020) & Dr Nirmali De Silva ( 2020 – 2022) and they had to carry out the administrative work with their teams under difficult conditions & environments. In order to cover the expenses of routine administration & utility bills an office space in the SLFUW main building was leased out to another reputed Women’s Organization (WCIC) in 2019 on a Licensee Agreement for a period of five years.
The present council terminated the WCIC Licensee Agreement with effect from 7th May 2023. Council also came up with some fund raising options to earn additional funds that are required for the charity work carried out by SLFUW. Under the leadership of the President of the present council, Dr. Udula Krishnaratne, SLFUW started a new journey with a series of events and activities. Distribution of stationery items for hundred school children of Ananda Samarakoon Maha Vidyala, Wewala, Piliyandala, Making a donation to the Association of Visually impaired women, International Women’s Day celebrations coupled with felicitation of past SLFUW Presidents, one-day excursion for council members, clearing and demarcation of SLFUW boundaries with the help of the municipality, Upgrading hostel facilities, hiring out of SLFUW auditorium as a fundraiser for charity work, maintaining the SLFUW Garden area with a fresh & attractive look are some of the initiatives and activities carried out by the present council.
* Extracted from SLFUW journals, publications and news reports from 1941 to 2023.