The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus has sent a letter to Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reform Minister Dr. Wijayadasa Rajapakshe requesting that the bill gazetted on February 9, 2024 to amend Section 19 of the Penal Code be withdrawn immediately.
According to the amendments made to the Penal Code in 1995, even if a girl under 16 has sexual relations at free will is considered rape and the proposed amendment to the Penal Code by the Justice Minister will lower the age limit to 14 years.Therefore, as the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus Chair MP Dr.Sudarshini Fernandopulle said that she expresses her deep concern about the proposed amendment to section 364 of the Penal Code. She also informs that the details related to the matters to be concerned about the proposed amendments to section 364 are attached with her letter.
MP Dr. Fernandopalle requests on behalf of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus to withdraw the proposed Bill to amend Section 364 of the Penal Code.It is also requested on behalf of the Caucus to prioritize the protection of women and children and uphold justice for the vulnerable population in Sri Lanka.
Irangika Range