Remembering gruesome Montreal femicide...

The Legal Aid Commission (LAC) and National Centre for Victims of Violence Staff will light oil lamps at Sambodhi Temple in commemoration of the 14 girl students killed at Montreal University in 1989 in coincidence with the International Fortnight on the theme of elimination of violence against women.

Like the murder of 3 Mirabele sisters in the Dominican Republic in 1961 by the late dictator Trujillos' henchmen, Mark Lepin, a woman hater, entered the classroom of the Ecole Polytechnic at the Montreal University Canada separated 14 women students from the males and shot them dead.

This gruesome femicide created a Mass Movement of women and up to now candle light vigil, demonstrations to preserve the women's dignity are held worldwide.

The LAC and National Centre for Victims of Crime commenced White Ribbon programme on November 25 by affixing a white Ribbon on the first lady Shiranthi Rajapakse at the Temple Trees and the Lady Judges of the Supreme Court.

Media briefing was held at the Justice Ministry on the previous day. A school awareness programme was launched commencing with Sirimavo Bandaranaike College, where all participants wore White Ribbons.

Another programme was held at Girls High School Kandy, which was addressed by LAC Chairman S.S. Wijeratne, Director General Justice Hector S. Yapa, NCVC Director Ramani Thotagamuwa. Similar school programmes will be held in number of schools in Chilaw, Anuradhapura, Matara, and Kurunegala until December 9.