- Media reporting should move beyond sensationalized narratives and focus on the lived realities of women subjected to violence – Prime Minister Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya
- If you know of any violence against women and children, make a complaint via the 1938 hotline – Chair of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus and Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Hon. Saroja Paulraj
- A wristband with the message “End Gender Based Violence” presented to all Members of Parliament
A number of activities were held in Parliament today (06) under the leadership of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus in support of the Sixteen Days of activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV). Women Parliamentarians and the staff of the Secretary General were dressed in orange to support the programme.
Accordingly, a wristband with the message “End Gender Based Violence” was presented to the Speaker Hon. (Dr.) Asoka Ranwala by the Deputy Chairpersons of Committees Member of Parliament Hon. Hemali Weerasekara along with the other members of the Caucus. The wristband was also presented to Hon. Sajith Premadasa, the Leader of the Opposition and Gayantha Karunathilleka, the Chief Opposition Whip. Secretary General of the Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera was also present on the occasion
Subsequently, the wristbands were presented to Prime Minister Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya, Leader of the House, Minister Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, Chief Government Whip, Minister Hon. Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, and the Deputy Speaker (Dr.) Rizvie Salih. Furthermore, all Members of Parliament were given the wristbands alongside a public pledge End gender-based violence and promote gender equality.
During the media briefing held thereafter, representing the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the need for media reporting to move beyond sensationalized narratives and focus on the lived realities of women subjected to violence. She noted that violence against women and children often originates not from strangers but from those closest to them.
Chair of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus and Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Hon. Saroja Paulraj, highlighted the availability of the 1938 hotline for reporting violence against women and children assuring prompt action on such complaints. She also underscored the government’s stringent approach to addressing cybercrimes against women.
Hon. Saroja Paulraj further remarked that the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus operates as a model within Parliament and the responsibility it bears in safeguarding the dignity and respect withing parliament determining how it will be the stepping stone for how all Sri Lankan women and children are being given dignity and respect as a whole. Emphasizing the significance of Parliament being the cornerstone of legislative authority, she reiterated that Parliament must lead by example in ensuring justice and equality for all citizens.
