On the 9th of September 2023, activists, academics, dramatists, artists and friends gathered to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the passing of Sunila Abeysekera, women’s rights and human rights activist, an actress, singer and a beautiful human and to celebrate Sunila Abeysekera’s unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights left an indelible mark on Sri Lanka and the world.
The event began with an ode to Sunila’s talents as both a singer and lyricist with her own song, “oba miya gos netha”, by award winning Musician Ishini Bandara. Following her performance, Tharanga De Silva, Director Operations of the Women and Media Collective delivered the welcome speech, Vanamali Galapathi of the Women and Media Collective, recollected the Sunila’s illustrious life as a actress, singer and lyricist and how she incorporated her activism to her art, bringing in topics of social importance in to the realm of art and cinema. Prof. SIthralega Maunuaguru as an expert on conflict resolution and peacebuilding. spoke Sunila’s role in promoting peace and reconciliation during some of Sri Lanka’s most challenging times. Sarala Emmanuel, a prominent feminist activist, spoke on the role Sunila played in her life, as a second mother and role model.
The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Prabha Manurathna, Senior Lecturer, Department of English, University of Kelaniya, on the current political context of Sri Lanka, emphasizing how the rights that Sunila fought for are still relevant, even decades later. Sunila’s life was memorialized by video tributes celebrating her life and legacy by the Women and Media Collective and the Youth FeministNetwork along with performance of her songs by Musician Ishini Bandara.
FInally the short drama, produced and directed by dramatist, Dhananjaya Karunarathna, named “Oba Sapekshai” was performed for the audience followed by Viola Perera, Senior Programme Manager of the Women and Media Collective who concluded the day with her Thank you speech