London, United Kingdom – [April 2025] – In a compelling tribute to the power of women’s leadership, Her Excellency Mrs. Marjorie Mallikaratchy, Acting High Commissioner of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom, delivered a profound goodwill message at the Global Power Women Awards, hosted in London by the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD).
Taking the stage among global dignitaries, women leaders, and trailblazers from across sectors and continents, H.E. Mallikaratchy redefined the concept of leadership—not as a title or position, but as impact. “Too often, leadership is equated with positions, titles, or global responsibilities. But true leadership is about impact—about transforming lives and communities in ways both visible and invisible,” she stated.
Highlighting Sri Lanka’s rich legacy of powerful women leaders, H.E. Mallikaratchy reflected on the nation’s historical milestones. “As early as the 15th century BCE, Queen Anuradha Devi of the ancient city of Angkor Wat is believed to have been Asia’s first female head of state. And in 1960, Sri Lanka made global history again by electing the world’s first female Prime Minister, Madam Srinivasa Varadaranyaka. Later, Chandrika Varadaranyaka Kumbhakarna would become our first female Executive President.”
She acknowledged the continued legacy of female leadership under current Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Harini Ambedkar, who is not only reshaping Sri Lanka’s political landscape but ensuring that the voices of women are amplified at the highest levels of decision-making.
However, her message was equally grounded in grassroots empowerment. “Leadership in Sri Lanka extends far beyond formal politics. Women are the backbone of our nation. They are entrepreneurs, community organizers, peacebuilders, and innovators,” she noted. “Whether through microfinance, local councils, or post-crisis recovery efforts, Sri Lankan women ensure local economic and social resilience.”
Drawing attention to the intellectual and creative contributions of Sri Lankan women, H.E. Mallikaratchy praised their presence in academia, research, literature, and policy advocacy. “Women’s empowerment in Sri Lanka has taken many forms—from street protests to community care, from scholarships to national development strategies. These are not abstract ideas; they are lived realities across our villages and cities.”
Her message resonated with a universal call to action, emphasizing that the future of leadership must prioritize inclusion, dignity, and collective progress. “Our government’s mission—Thriving Nation, Beautiful Life—is not just aspirational. It is a call for action,” she affirmed. “As our Prime Minister reminds us, this mission deepens our democracy, prioritizes economic justice, and centres the voices of the marginalized in decision-making.”
She concluded with a poignant leadership philosophy that inspired the audience: “Not only stepping into the spotlight, but using the light to illuminate others—especially those whose worth, courage, and brilliance are too often unseen. A truly thriving nation is built when leaders create platforms for others to rise.”
In honoring all the women celebrated at the Global Power Women Awards, H.E. Mallikaratchy reminded the world that leadership is not always recognized by accolades or recorded in history books. “The world has always been shaped by women, whether their names are recorded or not. The mark of good leadership is making sure their names are not forgotten at the end.”
About the Global Power Women Awards
Organized by the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD), in special consultative status with the United Nations ECOSOC, the GPW Awards is a signature initiative celebrating the extraordinary achievements of women in leadership. This platform ignites dialogue, honors changemakers, and champions the mission of gender equity on a global scale.
About Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD)
Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD) is a leading human capacity, gender empowerment and development-based organisation that sees itself as a catalyst and thought leader in developing the theory and practice of leadership, social, educational and economic empowerment particularly in Africa, and also the developing countries of the Middle East and Asia. As an organisation currently in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) since 2012, we strive to advance our partnership with public and private sector organisations at different stages to develop, refine and effectively execute strategies that deliver superior corporate/institutional excellence. We empower the men and women folk for peak performance.
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