The Select Committee of Parliament to look into and report to Parliament its recommendations to ensure gender equity and equality with special emphasis on looking into gender-based discriminations and violations of women’s rights in Sri Lanka looked into the need of formulating a national policy to ensure gender equality in Sri Lanka and to formulate an action plan to implement it.
The discussion was held with the participation of officials from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Pre-School and Primary Education, School Infrastructure and Education Services and several other groups who met with the Select Committee of Parliament to look into and report to Parliament its recommendations to ensure gender equity and equality with special emphasis on looking into gender-based discriminations and violations of women’s rights in Sri Lanka in Parliament on September 15.
Addressing the committee, the Additional Secretary to the State Ministry of Women and Child Development Ms. Nilmini Herath said that the formulation of a national policy on this regard was initiated many years ago. But it could not be submitted to the Cabinet for approval as it has shortcomings, she further stated. Ms. Nilmini Herath pointed out the possibility of formulating the aforesaid policy in a systematic manner by overcoming its shortcomings.
Chairperson of this Select Committee, Hon. State Minister Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle stated that the participation of women in the field of employment and politics is at a minimum. Therefore, the State Minister pointed out the need to formulate and implement this policy at the draft level. Furthermore, she explained that views of all parties should be obtained and that all parties should be informed in writing for the purpose of formulating the national policy as soon as possible.
Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya, Member of Parliament also said that this national policy and action plan should be formulated with a focus on new concepts outside the traditional framework.
Director (Planning) Mr.J.P.S Jayasinghe and Additional Secretary to the State Ministry of Women and Child Development and Ms. Nilmini Herath requested to establish an action committee with the intervention of the select committee on the draft National Policy and its Action Plan and take action to rectify the shortcomings.
Hon. State Minister Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle stated that steps will be taken to appoint a committee in this regard. Therefore, the Select Committee pointed out that this National Policy at the draft level should be directed to all parties who want to study it properly.
Hon. Sivagnanam Sreetharan, Member of Parliament, Officers of the State Ministry of Women and Child Development, Pre-Schools and Primary Education, School Infrastructure and Education Services, Deputy Secretary General of Parliament and Chief of Staff, Secretary to the Select Committee Mrs. Kushani Rohanadheera and several other Parliament officials and other parties participated in the committee meeting held online.
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