A protest to Malimawa from Shyama, who created the theme

Ms. Shyama Basnayake states that the National People's Power (NPP) expresses its strong objection to the continued use of the 'Gahānu Api' (We Women) theme for its promotional activities. She made these remarks citing a Facebook poster released by the National People's Power for the International Women's Day celebration, which is scheduled to be held on March 08 under the patronage of the President.

She accuses the National People's Power of currently using the phrase 'Gahānu Api' (We Women) solely for the purpose of exploiting women for their promotional campaigns. Posting on Facebook regarding this matter, she emphasizes that she objects to this situation.

Ms. Shyama Basnayake recalls that she was the one who initially proposed the two words 'Gahānu Api' (We Women) as a theme. She points out that Mr. Gihan de Silva, Chairman of the National Rupavahini Corporation, added the words 'Eka Welekata' (at one time) to it, and initially, someone from Harini Amarasuriya's side suggested rejecting it. Stating that she withdrew from Harini Amarasuriya's team and the women's committee due to this, she further mentions in the post that the decision to reuse the phrase 'Gahānu Api' was made after her departure.

Ms. Shyama's opinion is that the phrase 'Gahānu Api' (We Women) is not merely two words, but a profound political idea proposed by recognizing women's collective spirit, common experiences, and social, economic realities. However, as the National People's Power has currently limited this theme solely to promotional activities, she emphasizes that she is marking her objection politically.

Meanwhile, the state ceremony to commemorate International Women's Day is scheduled to be held on March 08 at the P.D. Sirisena Stadium in Colombo, under the patronage of the President and with the participation of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.