Q: What will it take for women to shatter the glass ceiling in Sri Lanka?

Ramzeena Morseth Lye (RML): Many boardrooms are still dominated by men – and Sri Lanka is no exception. To make a real difference, root causes need to be addressed. Patriarchs perceive women as emotional, irrational decision makers and not naturally suited for business roles.

I believe a paradigm shift is needed from how we are conditioned to think of gender stereotypes.

Without this, women will always be fighting for their rightful place.

Men in commanding positions have a responsibility to develop inclusive policies that encourage more female managers and create safe work environments for females to function without fear or favour. It makes business sense to invest in women as they comprise over 50 percent of the population.

Q: Do Sri Lankan businesswomen have the potential to go global?

RML: Yes – especially given the new digital business environment where you can operate from anywhere in the world.

Going global is no longer defined in traditional terms and women can achieve these goals independently without worrying about compromising their personal commitments.

Q: What is your vision for businesswomen in Sri Lanka?

RML: They must think big, start small and be ready to accelerate quickly if it works. Women should think beyond traditional roles and boundaries. You can conquer the world from your home-office – and I know many who have!

Q: How do you view the business climate from a woman entrepreneur’s perspective?

Sharmini Jayasuriya (SJ): The business climate in Sri Lanka is becoming more conducive for woman entrepreneurs. However, the scale is far from satisfactory. Women are hesitant to embark on new ventures as it calls for too much effort and conviction from the support structure.

Moreover, the glass ceiling still exists due to conventional thinking but improvements in the environment and education, and access to information and knowledge, are helping to narrow this gap.

Q: How do you view women’s representation in the public and private sectors?

SJ: Female representation has increased in the last decade but not yet sufficiently represented in top management or boardrooms.

Progressive changes are required in education, labour laws and legislation, so that the public sector, politics, law enforcement and other areas can have a better gender balance.

Q: And how can businesses address the loss of women employees at mid-career?

SJ: Organisations need more flexible work arrangements and facilities for women to strike a better work-life balance so that fewer give up their careers mid-way to manage household responsibilities.

Businesses should introduce gender balanced policies so that women are encouraged to pursue their careers and be an integral part of economic growth.

Q: Do you believe that women are supported in maximising their potential?

Marina Emmanuel (ME): I believe that it’s minimal. Although women’s participation in the workplace has increased, their domestic responsibilities have not reduced. Cultural expectations deem it more appropriate for women to interrupt their careers due to family responsibilities than for men to do so.

As a result, women advance to the top of middle management but are unable to pass through this barrier to the next level due to such expectations holding them back.

Q: And how important is mentorship?

ME: Mentorship is crucial in this context. Women in top positions are seen as role models and mentors; their success stories and mentorship inspires others to emulate them, as it provides a sense of aspiration and powerful visual model of ‘the successful woman.’

Q: How crucial is it for women to assert themselves as valuable members of the business world?

ME: It is time women broke through these barriers. They are equally capable and must step up to do what needs to be done, and have the courage to make a change at the individual and organisational levels.

The women of today are capable of great leadership and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. I see it every day!

Ramzeena Morseth Lye
Chief Marketing Officer
Sharmini Jayasuriya
Head of Legal
Marina Emmanuel
Assistant General Manager
Customer Service