Muragala representative Kanaka Abeygunawardana recently participated as a panelist at the inaugural Women in Leadership: Accelerating Development Outcomes conference held from September 10-11, 2026, at the London School of Economics (LSE), UK.
Bringing leading researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from across the world, this two-day event examined how women’s leadership directly shapes economic, political, and social outcomes, as well as identified key policies and interventions needed to expand women’s access to decision-making roles. The panels also explored systemic barriers women face in attaining leadership positions and evaluated the efficacy of policies designed to improve representation in politics and development.
In her panel, Kanaka Abeygunawardana addressed critical political shifts occurring in Sri Lanka following the Aragalaya in Sri Lanka in 2022. Focus was drawn to how new generations, particularly Gen Z, are actively challenging traditional forms of political authority, with women stepping into leadership roles in these mass protests. Kanaka shared her insights on the question: To what extent have women been able to influence the post-protest reform agenda, moving beyond on-the-ground activism to drive structural policy change?
