As President of the Sri Lanka Federation of University Women (SLFUW), it is with immense pleasure that I issue this message on the occasion of launching our website.

The SLFUW is an organization with a huge potential of serving the community and contributing to the development of Sri Lanka.

It was the brainchild of Mrs. Clara Motwani, an American by birth with a Master’s Degree in Education, who had an unwavering determination to further educational opportunities for women in 'Ceylon', as Sri Lanka was known at that time. Thus, Mrs. Motwani, together with her group of educated, like-minded friends, devoted themselves to expand and upgrade the school system for the girl child. Subsequently, they turned to University women, for they believed that educated women could become a powerful driving force in the development of a country. Thus, in 1941 they set up the SLFUW, and linked it to the International Federation of University Women Thus, it is with deep appreciation and heartfelt gratitude that we remember these ladies today.

The SLFUW is a non-profit, non-governmental, and non-political organization and was declared as an approved charity in 1982 and incorporated by Act of Parliament, No. 12. of 1985. Its objectives relate specifically to the upliftment of University Women in particular, to women in general, and to the community at large.

Foremost among its objectives is the responsibility of representing University Women of Sri Lanka, and to take action in matters affecting their interests, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, language, economic status, or political opinion. As a time when tradition held that ‘a woman’s place is in the home,’ the SLFUW motivated women to engage in postgraduate studies and research and even to go abroad to pursue their academics further.

Another of its objectives is to promote cooperation and understanding among University Women and encourage them to take their due share of responsibility in society, and maintain a watching brief on public affairs so as to safeguard their rights and interests.

For over half a century, Council meetings were held in the homes of it members, but in 1996, the property on Kithulwatta Road, Colombo was obtained and a decade later, the SLFUW moved into its own new building.

An old building which had been used for occupational training and empowerment projects was taken over to provide accommodation for University students from far off areas.

Throughout its long history of over 80 years, the SLFUW has striven to fulfill its objectives in very many ways under the leadership of thirty-three Past Presidents and their dedicated council members. I hereby offer my sincere thanks to all those Presidents, Councilors, as well as to all the well-wishers who extended their support throughout that journey.

It is my fervent wish that the SLFUW continues to move forward its vision and flourish with success! All my blessings are with you!

Colonel Dr Udula Krishnaratne
President SLFUW