Ekneligoda’s wife from Sri Lanka among the world’s 100 most outstanding women in 2022
Well-known Sri Lankan human rights activist, Sandya Priyangani Eknaligoda is on the BBC’s list of 100 “most inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2022”. The list of names has been published yesterday, 07th of December.
The BBC has revealed its list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2022 with a long list of women from the APAC region included in 2022.
The annual BBC 100 Women list celebrates the achievements of women internationally, from grassroots volunteers to global leaders.
Sandya Ekneligoda has been the voice for the thousands of victims of enforced disappearances since her husband, a prominent investigative journalist, and cartoonist, Prageeth Ekneligoda went missing in 2010, while he was investigating the alleged abuses against Tamil Tiger separatists.
She also received the “International Women of Courage Award” in 2017, for her campaigns and other work in the field.
Since her husband’s disappearance, the mother of two boys has been helping thousands of mothers and wives who lost loved ones during Sri Lanka’s civil war.
“I am not only a woman who fights for others and engages in creative struggle in every situation but also a woman who seeks justice by overcoming challenges with dedication and sacrifice in the midst of many insults and slanders,” she said when asked about her special occasion of naming her among 100 women.
Sandya the mother of two has been seeking justice since her husband’s disappearance and she accuses the supporters of Mahinda Rajapaksa, the former president of Sri Lanka, of being responsible for her husband’s abduction. By now while suspects have been identified, they have all been acquitted.
“It’s wonderful to see this year’s list of 100 Women, and to be celebrating its tenth season,” said Tim Davie, BBC Director-General of the BBC.
“The women on this year’s list are all remarkable in what they have achieved and contributed to their communities and society, and I am proud that the BBC continues to do vital work by shining a spotlight on them and sharing their stories around the world through our first-class journalism and storytelling,” said Tim Davie.
The list also reflects the role of women at the heart of conflict around the world in 2022 – from the protesters bravely demanding change in Iran, to the female faces of conflict and resistance in Ukraine and Russia,” the BBC said.
