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Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga , Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya , Sirimavo Bandaranaike
In celebration of fifteen years of empowering women and transforming communities, Women in Management (WIM) has unveiled Daughters of the Nation, a remarkable book authored by Dr. Sulochana Segera, the founder and chairperson of WIM. This inspiring publication brings together the stories of 40 Sri Lankan women who have shattered glass ceilings, defied conventions, and left an indelible mark on the nation’s social, economic, and cultural fabric. Each woman featured in Daughters of the Nation was personally selected by Dr. Segera for her exceptional contribution and the strength of her journey. The selection process was guided by one simple but powerful principle: impact. No fees were charged to be included in the book, ensuring that the recognition was based purely on achievement, inspiration, and merit. In keeping with WIM’s founding belief in equality, the women are listed alphabetically, rather than by rank or profession; a deliberate choice that underscores the message that every contribution, regardless of scale or status, carries equal value in nation-building.
More than a book, Daughters of the Nation is a movement, one that seeks to take Sri Lanka beyond the culture of awards and trophies and toward meaningful storytelling. It invites readers, especially the younger generation, to engage with the authentic, often untold stories of women who have led with purpose and resilience. From public service to entrepreneurship, from media and academia to activism, these narratives illuminate the diverse pathways through which women continue to shape Sri Lanka’s progress. To ensure that this message of empowerment reaches the grassroots, WIM plans to make the book available in at least one national school library in each of Sri Lanka’s nine provinces. This initiative aims to inspire students, particularly young girls, to dream boldly and see themselves reflected in the achievements of those who came before them. By offering access to these stories, WIM hopes to nurture a new generation of leaders guided by courage, empathy, and vision.
Daughters of the Nation also stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s proud legacy of female leadership. From Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the world’s first female Prime Minister, to Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, the country’s first female Executive President, the book traces a lineage of trailblazers whose impact transcends time. Alongside these iconic figures are contemporary leaders such as Kasturi Chellaraja, Justice Shiranee Tilakawardane, Dr. Asha De Vos, Rosy Senanayake, Otara Gunewardene, and Susanthika Jayasinghe; women who continue to redefine what leadership looks like in Sri Lanka and beyond.
The full list of featured personalities includes: Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Dawn S. Austin, Dilrukshi Dias Wickramasinghe, Dr. Asha De Vos, Dr. Lanka Jayasuriya Dissanayake, Gowri Rajan, Indrani Fernando, Jayanthi Dharmasena, Justice Shiranee Tilakawardane, Kasturi Chellaraja, Lakmini Wijesundera, Manoji Wadugodapitiya, Melanie Janine Kanaka, Minoli Wickramasinghe, Nadija Tambiah, Otara Gunewardene, Professor Neelika Malavige, Rajitha Jayasuriya, Rishini Weeraratne,
Rohini Nanayakkara, Rosy Senanayake, Sandra De Zoysa, Sandra Wanduragala, Shashi Kandambi Jassim, Sheamalee (Shea) Wickramasingha, Shehara De Silva, Shehara S. De Silva, Shiromal Cooray, Soundarie David Rodrigo, Stasshani Jayawardena, Susanthika Jayasinghe, Tania Polonnowita Wettimuny, Varuni Amunugama Fernando, and the Women in Management Executive Committee (WIM EXCO). Together, their stories illustrate the extraordinary power of determination, compassion, and integrity in transforming both lives and communities.
As WIM celebrates fifteen years of impact, Daughters of the Nation serves as a fitting tribute to its journey; one that began with a vision to uplift women and evolved into a mission to transform society. The book is more than a chronicle of achievements; it is a mirror of what Sri Lanka can become when its women lead fearlessly and inclusively. Daughters of the Nation is now available for order via wimglobalevents.com, a must-read collection of stories celebrating Sri Lankan women who dared to lead, dream, and make a difference.
Authored by Dr. Sulochana Segera and published by Women in Management (WIM)
