Prime Minister (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya yesterday emphasised the need for media reporting to move beyond sensationalised 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.
She was speaking at a press briefing held at the parliament complex yesterday after a launching a number of activities in Parliament under the leadership of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus in support of the Sixteen Days of activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV).
Chair of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus and Minister of Women and Child Affairs, 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.
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 within 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.
A number of activities were held in Parliament yesterday (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.
During proceedings a wristband with the message “End Gender Based Violence” was presented to Speaker Dr. Asoka Ranwala, by deputy chairperson of Committees MP Hemali Weerasekara, along with the other members of the caucus. The wristband was also presented to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilleka. Secretary General of the Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera was also present on the occasion.
Subsequently, the wristbands were also presented to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Rathnayake, Chief Government Whip, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, and the Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih. Furthermore, all Members of Parliament were given the wristbands alongside a public pledge to end gender-based violence and promote gender equality.
