May 26, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe asserted that there are plans underway to establish a dedicated commission to enforce legal measures aimed at empowering women, in a move to safeguarding women’s rights.
The President made this remark during the inaugurating ceremony of the “Centre of Excellence for Women’s Healthcare” at the Kilinochchi District General Hospital yesterday (25) morning, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
The President assured the passing of the Gender Equality Bill before the end of June, and expressed hope for unanimous support from the MPs.
Full Statement:
“The inauguration of the Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health Services signifies a significant milestone in serving the women of our nation. We have implemented various special measures to empower women, reaffirming our commitment to their well-being.
In our country, there has been a notable absence of laws safeguarding women’s rights beyond the basic provisions outlined in the Constitution. To address this gap, we have introduced two new drafts to Parliament aimed at enhancing women’s rights.
The Women’s Empowerment Act proposes essential provisions to legally empower women, including the establishment of a dedicated commission for their implementation. Furthermore, we aim to pass the gender equality draft by the end of June, currently undergoing review by the courts before submission to Parliament, with anticipation for unanimous support.
Our commitment to protecting women’s rights extends to enacting laws against violence and ensuring equal opportunities for women in workplace promotions and transfers. We anticipate the formal legalisation of women’s rights and pledge to operate within this framework.
Additionally, we prioritise the safety of women within their homes. These proposed women’s rights bills are readily accessible on our website, and we encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with them.
Furthermore, we plan to launch a specialised educational programme to raise awareness about women’s rights and empower them accordingly.”
