2nd Lead (Adds photos)

Vavuniya celebrates International Women's Day

[TamilNet, Monday, 08 March 2004, 12:18 GMT]
International Women's Day was celebrated in Vavuniya today under the sponsorship of Oxfam International, Bridge Asia Japan (BAJ), Danish Coucil (DRC), Save the Children and World Food Programme (WFP), sources in Vavuniya said. Several hundred women joined the silent march which was followed by a cultural event at Royal Hall, Vavuniya, according the sources.

Placards carrying slogans "Abolish dowry," and "Women are a Nation's Eyes"

The march started at the Tamil Maha Vidyalayam proceeded via Colombo-Kandy Road (A9), turned at the Vavuniya Hospital junction and reached the Royal Hall at the Horawapotana Road.

The marchers carried placards that emphasised women's rights.

Rev.Sister. Rita presided the events at the Royal Hall. Assistant Commissioner at Vavuniya Secretariat, S.Paramakulasingam, was the chief guest at the event.

Representatives of RDF (Rural Development Foundation), Sewa Lanka, CANARA, FIRM, FORUT, CTF, SEED, EMACE, NGCDO, CWRD, WDC, WFP, OXFAM, DRC, SC, and UNDP participated in the event.

Meyappan Lisanthini who got first place in the Elocution contest

"Dare not contemplate erecting tomb stones during Peace times" says the blue placard

"Mother's and child's health is Community's health" says Women's International Day banner