The Parliamentary Select Committee has met for the first time to look into the issue of gender equality and to make recommendations. It has a responsibility to look into gender-based discrimination in Sri Lanka and to report to Parliament on its recommendations, with a special focus on the violation of women's rights. The Committee is also focusing on the microfinance loans that are currently affecting a large number of women in Sri Lanka. It was also emphasized that the Cabinet has approved the re-enactment of the Regulatory Authority for the Regulation of Microfinance Debt in Sri Lanka. The role of the Select Committee was also discussed at length. Accordingly, it was decided that the primary role of the Committee should be to investigate women's grievances regarding all forms of discrimination based on gender, including job promotion opportunities and workplace harassment. Another role of this committee is to examine and review the relevant laws to ensure that gender is brought into the mainstream to prevent the negative impact of discrimination on the lives of women and girls. The Committee will also encourage the relevant line ministries and authorities to formulate and finance gender-neutral plans. In addition, the Committee has a role to play in motivating and advocating for greater women's representation in decision-making groups at the national, provincial and local levels and in the public, civil society and private sectors. The committee also aims to encourage public-private partnerships to promote gender equality and equality. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle, State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemiology and Epidemiology, Chairperson of the Committee and was attended by Members of Parliament Rohini Kaviratne, Harini Amarasuriya, Members of Parliament. Udayakumar, Sivagnanam Sritharan, Rohana Bandara, Secretary to the Committee, Deputy Secretary General of Parliament, Chief of Staff Kushani Rohanadeera and other officials were present.