Proposals to strengthen Sri Lanka’s legal framework against domestic violence, including simplifying legal procedures and improving protection for victims, have been discussed at the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus in Parliament.

According to a parliamentary statement, the Caucus considered proposed amendments to the existing Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, No. 34 of 2005, aimed at ensuring more effective implementation of the law and providing timely legal relief to individuals affected by domestic violence.

The discussion took place during a recent meeting of the Caucus, chaired by its Deputy Co-Chairpersons, Chamindranee Kiriella and Samanmalee Gunasinghe, in the absence of Chairperson Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj.

During the meeting, the Muslim Women’s Research and Action Forum (MWRAF) presented several recommendations concerning a proposed new Bill intended to replace the existing legislation.

The proposals included expanding the categories of individuals and officials authorised to initiate legal action on behalf of adults and children subjected to domestic violence, simplifying the application process, strengthening the implementation of interim protection orders and introducing more effective follow-up mechanisms for protection orders.

It was also emphasised that efforts to address domestic violence should extend beyond legislative changes, with legal and institutional reforms reflecting the real-life experiences of women who have faced such violence.

Meanwhile, Chrysalis Sri Lanka conducted an awareness session focusing on increasing women’s political participation and representation.

The discussion highlighted the importance of moving beyond women’s economic empowerment and ensuring greater participation by women in policymaking and other decision-making processes.

The Caucus agreed to continue examining measures to strengthen existing legal protections against domestic violence, while also focusing on initiatives to safeguard women’s rights and enhance their representation in decision-making. (Newswire)

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A 32-year-old woman has died due to injuries sustained after being assaulted by her husband in the Batagama area in Ja-Ela.

The Police said the woman was admitted to the Ragama Hospital following the incident on Wednesday night and had been transferred to the Colombo National Hospital where she had died while receiving treatment last morning.

Preliminary investigations reveal that an argument between the woman and her husband had escalated, due to which her brother had attempted to intervene, but her husband had pushed her resulting in sustaining injuries due to the fall.

The 33-year-old husband of the woman has been arrested over the murder, while the Kandana Police is conducting investigations. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet has approved amending the existing Prevention of Domestic Violence Act to present a new bill to Parliament, State Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs Geetha Kumarasinghe announced.

The State Minister also revealed that plans are in progress to establish the National Commission for Women, following the introduction of the already gazetted Bill on Women’s Empowerment.

State Minister Geetha Kumarasinghe made the remarks during a press briefing held at the Presidential Media Centre on Tuesday (Apr 02). 

Speaking further, the State Minister said the Cabinet approved the Women’s Empowerment Bill in April 2023 and subsequently, the draft bill was officially published in the gazette in July 2023. 

She further said that it is scheduled to be presented in Parliament soon and that the Act includes provisions regarding the establishment of the National Commission for Women.

The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus has also convened a discussion in Parliament recently (Mar 20), regarding the bill for women’s empowerment. Various stakeholders, such as the President’s Office, the Attorney General’s Department, and the Legal Draftsman’s Department, actively participated in the discussion.

The observations made by the World Bank regarding the Bill on Women’s Empowerment were also taken into consideration. The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus has decided to review the observations within one week. If there are any additional amendments deemed necessary, the Bill will be re-published in the gazette and presented to Parliament, she said.

State Minister Kumarasinghe pointed out that additionally, several crucial clauses have been added, such as the provision for a close associate to file a case on behalf of women facing domestic violence. The Cabinet of Ministers has also approved to amend the existing Prevention of Domestic Violence Act and present it to Parliament as a new Act.

Temporary detention centres for abused women have been established in Gampaha, Ratnapura, Colombo, Matara, Batticaloa, Anuradhapura, Monaragala, and Nuwara Eliya districts, she said.

State Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs also revealed that the Bill on Gender Equality has received Cabinet approval and will now be forwarded to the government printing press for gazetting. 

She added that the Cabinet has also approved the national guidelines for the management of women’s care homes dedicated to victims of sexual and gender-based violence. (NewsWire)

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