At the invitation of the Government of the Sverdlovsk region, Russia, Prof. Janitha A. Liyanage, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation addressed the participants at the International Forum "Role of Women in the Modern World" held in Ekaterinburg, 8 September 2023.

The Forum, which is gathered more than 3 000 representatives of federal, regional and municipal authorities of Russia, women deputies, organizers and participants of women's movements and public organizations, entrepreneurs, is aimed at strengthening the positions of women in the socio-political life of a country, increasing the role of women in the development of society. Apart from H. E. the Ambassador the Forum was graced by Ms. Maria Zakharova, Spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, as well as other foreign and Russian officials.
In her speech, Prof. Janitha A. Liyanage shared the experience of Sri Lanka in promoting women's rights, economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, gender equality and fight with discrimination. H. E. the Ambassador recalled that Sri Lanka became the first country in the world to elect a woman-Prime Minister as early as in 1960. Prof. Janitha A. Liyanage gave an overview of the social transformation, which needs to take place in the world to ensure equality for women in all aspects including their leadership and political participation, economic empowerment and ending the violence against women.