News

Opposition, female MPs call to review amendment reducing consent age for sex

Published

2 months ago

March 22, 2024

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The main opposition – Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and female MPs have called on the government to review proposed amendments that seek to lower the age of capacity to consent to sex from 16 years to 14 years for female minors.

Slamming the decision, Premadasa pointed out that there is a strong call from Sri Lankan women to review the government’s decision.

Meanwhile, the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus has sent a letter to the Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reform – Wijedasa Rajapaksa, requesting that the bill gazetted on February 9, 2024 to amend Chapter 19 of the Penal Code be withdrawn immediately.

According to the amendments made to the Penal Code in 1995, even if a girl under 16 years of age has sexual relations of her own free will, it is considered rape and the proposed amendment to the Penal Code by the Minister of Justice will lower the age limit to 14 years.

Therefore, as the Chair of the women parliamentarians’ Caucus, Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle, MP, who states that she expresses her deep concern about the proposed amendment to section 364 of the Penal Code, informs that the details related to the matters to be concerned about the proposed amendments to section 364 are attached with her letter.

Therefore, Ms. Fernandopalle states that she requests on behalf of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus to withdraw the proposed bill to amend Section 364 of the Penal Code.

It is also requested on behalf of the Caucus to prioritize the protection of women and children and uphold justice for the vulnerable population in Sri Lanka. Ms. Fernandopulle further informs in her letter that her Caucus is ready to discuss further information or alternative proposals in this regard at any time.

News

Mujibur Rahuman sworn in as MP

Published

2 hours ago

May 10, 2024

nipuni

Mujibur Rahuman was sworn in as a Member of Parliament today (May 10) morning.

He took oath as an MP in the presence of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana.

Issuing an extraordinary gazette on Thursday (09), the Elections Commission announced that Mujibur Rahuman was Declared Elected as a Member of Parliament to fill the vacancy created due to the determination of the Supreme Court canceling the Parliamentary membership of Diana Gamage.

However, in a letter to the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus had urged to appoint a suitable female to the parliamentary seat of Diana Gamage.

News

Telecommunications Regulatory Act to be amended after 28 years

Published

2 hours ago

May 10, 2024

nipuni

State Minister for Technology, Mr. Kanaka Herath, announced that the amended bill to amend the Telecommunications Regulatory Act after 28 years will be presented to the Parliament today (May 10).

He said this yesterday during a press conference conducted today (09) at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) under the theme “Collective Path to a Stable Country.”

Noting that regulations concerning undersea cables were non-existent previously, the State Minister said that legislation addressing this matter has become feasible now.

He also highlighted plans for the drafting of the National Cyber Security Act in May.

The user base across all social networks has surged from 60 million to 74 million. However, there is an imperative for a National Cyber Security Act. Consequently, plans are underway to draft the pertinent legislation by May 2024. Additionally, collaborative efforts involving 29 government agencies, alongside Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SL CERT), have been undertaken to strengthen cyber security, resulting in the implementation of five projects, he added.

News

No SLPP MPs at fmr. MP’s death commemoration

Published

3 hours ago

May 10, 2024

nipuni

The death anniversary of former MP of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and his security personnel, was held in Nittambuwa yesterday (May 09).

Former SLPP MP – Amarakeerthi Athukorale and his security personnel sergeant Jayantha Gunawardena died during a series of violent events that erupted in 2022 May 09.

However, it was notable that no public representative, even from the SLPP, was present at the commemoration.