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Women MPs turn turns orange against Gender-Based Violence (Pics)

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A number of activities were held in Parliament today (01) under the leadership of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus in support of the Sixteen Days of activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV). Women Parliamentarians and women staff officers were dressed in orange to support the programme.

Accordingly, a wristband with the message “Let’s Unite to end Gender Based Violence” was presented to the President Ranil Wickramasinghe by the Chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians Caucus, Member of Parliament (Dr.) Sudarshanee Fernandopulle along with the other members of the Caucus. Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of the Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera was also present on the occasion. Here, the President informed that the draft bill of the Women’s Act should be completed soon and submitted to Parliament.

The publications relevant to gender equality and social inclusion available for reference by MPs, donated by National Democratic Institute (NDI) were also presented to the President at the recently established Gender and Social Inclusion Section of the Parliament Library.

 Subsequently, wristbands with the message “Let’s Unite to end Gender Based Violence” were tied on the Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, and leaflets on gender equality and social inclusion were also presented.

At the press conference held, members of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus explained the, global theme of the campaign 2022, “UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls.” It was also emphasized that without unity GBV cannot be combated, thus calling on governments, development partners, CSOs, youth, media and all other stakeholders to come together to fight against GBV.

To stand in solidarity with this global movement, the female parliamentarians carried out a series of advocacy measures starting from 25th November. They conducted two panel discussions on combating GBV on 28th and 29th November.

A knowledge sharing session with journalists on “Combatting Violence against Women (VAW) through Media” is scheduled to be held on December 6. There will be a discussion on combating GBV and VAW through media reporting among Sri Lankan journalists including the lobby correspondents.

All these activities are being carried out by Women Parliamentarian’s Caucus, hand in hand with the Parliament Communications Department and the Parliament Secretariat in the hope of raising awareness among Parliamentarians and the public against GBV and the necessary support was provided by the National Democratic Institute (NDI).

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Wimal appears before CID

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National Freedom Front (NFF) leader and former MP Wimal Weerawansa appeared before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to provide a statement regarding remarks he made about a shipment of 323 containers linked to a provincial governor.

He was summoned to record a statement in connection with multiple complaints received over his comments made during a media briefing on January 29.

Following his remarks, Western Province Governor – Hanif Yusoof lodged a complaint with the CID on January 30, claiming he was targeted through social media posts.

Police said that several other parties have also filed complaints related to the same incident.

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Neurosurgeon’s daughter granted bail

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The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has ordered the release on bail of Hemali Wijerathna, daughter of Dr. Maheshi Surasinghe Wijerathna, a consultant neurosurgeon at the Sri Jayawardenapura General Hospital, who is currently in remand custody.

Colombo Chief Magistrate – Tanuja Lakmali Jayatunga ordered that the suspect be released on a personal bail of Rs.500,000.

She was arrested by the Keselwatta Police and produced before court.

Meanwhile, the case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against her for allegedly threatening CIABOC officers is scheduled to be taken up again today (July 09).

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Forests on state lands to be designated as reserves

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The Ministry of Environment has decided to designate several forests located on state owned lands as official forest reserves.

Deputy Minister – Anton Jayakody has stated that such forests, each spanning 05 hectares or more, have been identified in every district.

Special priority will be given to designating forest reserves on mountain peaks.

In the first phase, 20 forests in districts including Monaragala and Ampara have been selected under the new program named ‘Vanaspathi’,  he said.

He further said the initiative aims to protect these forest areas and expand the country’s forest cover.

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