Sri Lanka's Progress on Women's Rights Under Review by CEDAW Committee

The Committee expressed alarm that one in five women in Sri Lanka experienced intimate partner violence, with many cases going unreported.

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) has concluded its review of Sri Lanka's ninth periodic report, commending the country's national action plan on women, peace, and security, while highlighting areas needing improvement, including child marriage laws and domestic violence protections.

A Committee Expert praised Sri Lanka's 2023–2027 national action plan on women, peace, and security, noting its potential to address the needs of women affected by conflict. The Expert inquired about plans for a mid-term assessment to evaluate the plan's impact. The Sri Lankan delegation confirmed that a review of the implementation process was planned.

Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA) and Child Marriage

Yamila González Ferrer, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur for Sri Lanka, acknowledged the 2022 amendments to the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act but raised concerns about lingering provisions, particularly those permitting child marriage. The Sri Lankan delegation stated that consultations had been held, and the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus recommended establishing a minimum marriage age and forming a multi-sectoral committee to address the issue.

Domestic Violence and Victim Protections

The Committee expressed alarm that one in five women in Sri Lanka experienced intimate partner violence, with many cases going unreported. The Sri Lankan delegation announced that amendments to the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act would come into force this year. The revised law strengthens victim protections, including rights to legal, medical, and psychosocial support. Additionally, a toll-free hotline staffed by female officers is available for survivors.

Government Commitment and Future Steps Saroja Savitri Paulraj, Minister of Women and Child Affairs, emphasized the government's commitment to advancing gender equality. She highlighted the importance of this review, marking Sri Lanka's first engagement with a human rights treaty body since the 2024 elections.

Concluding Remarks and Next Steps Committee Chair Nahla Haidar commended Sri Lanka for its transparency and efforts in addressing women’s rights challenges. She urged continued implementation of the Committee's recommendations for the benefit of all Sri Lankan women and girls. The CEDAW Committee will issue its concluding observations at the end of its 90th session on 21 February.

The full session proceedings and reports are available on the Committee’s webpage, with public meetings accessible via UN Web TV.