PRIME GROUP
Q: What is the level of women’s engagement in non-conventional roles in Sri Lanka – and what should be done to encourage their involvement in the workforce?
Sandamini Perera (SP): I feel that Sri Lanka’s female workforce is still at a nascent level. Most women tend to take up conventional roles as they remain in their comfort zones.
Of course, we see many women from developed countries taking on non-conventional roles – especially millennials who want to step out of their comfort zones.
Against this backdrop, I believe that society, elders, partners and parents should encourage women to represent unconventional fields with open minds.
Q: How do you view the business climate from a woman entrepreneur’s perspective?
SP: It’s important to identify one’s potential to succeed. As women, we are still bound by values, traditions and social acceptance. Therefore, it is sometimes extremely challenging for traditional women to succeed in such a business environment.
Q: Do Sri Lankan businesswomen have the potential to go global?
SP: Many Sri Lankan women have conquered the global arena and we should not stop there. Shemara Wikramanayake of the Macquarie Group was the highest paid CEO in Australia in 2019.
Meanwhile, Dr. Asha de Vos – the only Sri Lankan born marine biologist with a PhD in marine mammal research – is world-renowned and was recognised in the BBC 100 Women list in 2018.
If you spot your wife’s, daughter’s or daughter-in-law’s capabilities, I urge you to help them identify their potential, release them from their day-to-day responsibilities and support them in reaching their full potential.
Q: How crucial is it for women to assert themselves as valuable members of the business world?
SP: Women play a major role in business today unlike in times past. As women, we have unique skill sets in handling situations that make us very powerful. Our flexibility, reliability, and listening and negotiation skills supersede those of male colleagues. Moreover, we’re great at multitasking.
Sandamini Perera
Co-Chairperson
Q: What is your take of the evolution of women’s presence in conventional and non-conventional arenas?
Shehana Brahmanage (SB): There is a significant improvement from a generation ago – with women as Supreme Court judges, DIGs, Members of Parliament and ministerial secretaries.
In this manner, we see a major increase in women at top positions in the private sector too. Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson is the first female to be appointed as the CEO of a group of companies in Sri Lanka.
Our own Sandamini Perera has been the only female to lead a real estate company in this country. She has also been recognised as one of the most influential women in Sri Lanka.
Q: And what are the main challenges in breaking the glass ceiling?
SB: One of the main challenges to overcome as a society is the perception that women belong in traditional roles. There is an inherent gender bias in us, which has been influenced by our culture.
From their younger days, girls are treated differently from boys. Girls are taught to be soft-spoken, obedient and accommodating, while boys are encouraged to be outgoing and confident. The journey to maximise our potential should begin at home.
Q: Can Sri Lankan businesswomen pursue global opportunities?
SB: With role models such as Sirimavo Bandaranaike – the first female Prime Minister of Sri Lanka – and Nushelle de Silva, a recipient of the prestigious Queen’s Young Leaders Award for helping kids from war affected communities, it’s more than apparent that Sri Lankan women have the potential to go global.
Q: How can the stereotyped roles of women be erased?
SB: It is a known fact that mothers are the first role models for children regardless of their gender. So we have to empower the mothers who wish to become successful businesswomen and entrepreneurs first, to mentor the next generation both at home and in the workplace!
Recognising them for the integral role they play in society as well as the economy will be the stepping stone for the next generation to be free of gender and societal bias.
