OPA gets its first woman President

Ruchira Gunasekera

The initialism “OPA” represents the Organisation of Professional Associations.  

This organisation may be considered unique due to several factors.  It was established in 1975 and, therefore, a very old institution.  

Further, it is the only one of its kind in the whole of South East Asia. Its membership comprises 52 professional associations representing 32 professions in Sri Lanka.

For reasons unbeknownst throughout this long period of its existence, the Victorian ‘fairer sex’ was not visible at the helm.  This may sometimes give the mistaken notion that the OPA is a male dominated organisation.  

This does not in any way imply that female professionals did not participate.  They were very much around vibrantly engaging in the affairs of the OPA but not navigating the higher planes.

 It was not a taboo but it simply did not happen.

This is why the years 2019 and 2022 will be reckoned as unique in the annals of the OPA.  The members of the OPA who are nurtured in the quality and character of high level of professionalism, displayed their non-discriminatory and gender-neutral disposition when they elected Ruchira Gunasekera for the Post of President-Elect for the period 2022/2023. 

Ruchira Gunasekera had been involved with OPA activities for the past 10 years. She has served in a multitude of Committees during this period and has gained an excellent understanding of OPA functions.  Her continuous engagement was recognised by the OPA membership, when she was elected as the first ever woman General Secretary in 2019.  She was then elected uncontested for a second term.  Thus, serving in that position for two consecutive years.

Bidding adieu to the Post of Secretary at the end of two successful and fulfilling terms, she did not rest on her laurels.  The resolute and determined persona in her enthused her to courageously venture to contest for the Post of President-Elect of the OPA for the years 2022/2023. Thus, Gunasekera holds the rare double distinction of being the first woman General Secretary and the first woman President of the OPA.

Her alma mater Musaeus College, Colombo 07 will be proud of her achievements both in the academic and professional fields. She is also currently holding the position of the President of Sri Lanka Women Lawyers’ Association which has a membership of nearly 3,000 Attorneys-at-Law.

She brings to OPA her vast experience, insightful knowledge and a good understanding of a range of national issues all of which would be beneficial to the organisation.  

It is expected that her exposure will set the guidelines and directions for this august body to offer its professional input at a national level. The OPA can confidently look forward to a fruitful year of further achievements under her Presidency.