A Historical Analysis of Women’s Participation in Sri Lanka’s Economic Development and Sustainability (Based on the Rajarata Civilization)

The past Sri Lankan ruler maintained a strong political, social, religious, and economic structure, and through the protection of gender equality, the obedience of the people and the loyalty to the ruler were developed. To this end, the ruler adopted policies to protect gender equality, which in turn contributed to the sustainable existence of his state. This policy of the king also helped women to rise to a higher level in society as mothers, daughters, wives, and sisters by providing equal privileges to everyone. Because women inherited such freedoms in Sri Lankan society, they were able to participate efficiently and effectively in the economic development of the country. The research problem is to study the impact of women’s participation on the sustainable economic development of the state. The primary objective of the research is to analyze the contribution of women to the economic development of the country from a historical perspective. In collecting data for this research, conclusions were reached through a comparative analysis of data collected from primary and secondary sources, including library studies and the examination of newspapers and magazines. Taking the teachings of the Buddha himself on the importance of giving women equality as a basis, ancient rulers worked to protect the gender balance, provided women with education and employment opportunities, and promoted gender equality in society. In particular, giving women the right to inherit property and assets, providing women with access to education and training, taking steps to ensure women’s health and well-being, including access to medical treatment, allowing women to participate in political and decision-making processes, and providing women with the opportunity to achieve professional and economic independence, etc., can be considered important. It can also be noted that those policies directly led to sustainable economic development.