Programme to promote Legislation on crime victims

POLONNARUWA: The National Centre for victims of Crime (NCVC), which has been working since 2002 to promote and protect the Rights of the Crime Victims in Sri Lanka have launched a new series of programmes for Police officers to make them aware of new laws and to sensitise them about proper investigation, gathering medical evidence, mediation, counselling and other subjects important for them with the view of strengthening them to provide a better service for ordinary people.

The next programme is scheduled to be held at the Auditorium of the "Pradeshiya Sabha" Polonnaruwa from June 14 - 17.

NCVC also has organised programmes for Grama Niladharis islandwide with a view to create awareness among them about the importance of a legislation on Victims of Crime.

The next programme is scheduled to be held on June 16 at the "Dhawala Mandiraya" Polonnaruwa from 9 a.m. onwards. 200 Grama Niladaris are expected to participate.

Ramani Thotagamuwa, Attorney-at-Law, the Directress of National Centre for Victims of Crime, Anne Fernando, Attorney-at-Law, Jayaruwan Dissanayaka LLB, Thanuja Bandara LLB, Nilusha Karunarathne LLB, Dr. Jeen Perera, Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Colombo and E.A.P. Ariyawansha - Counsellor will be the resource persons.

These programmes are organised by National Centre for Victims of Crime with the instructions of the National convener of NCVC and the chairman of the Legal Aid Commission S.S. Wijerathne and in collaboration with the District Secretariat. This special programmes are sponsored by the Asia Foundation.

Two programmes had been organised for family Health Officers at Polonnaruwa District on Law on Domestic Violence and Sexual and Gender Based Violence on 15, 17 June at DPDHSA office Polonnaruwa. This programme is funded by the UNHCR.