Sixty per cent of women subjected to violence

Nadira Gunatilleke

COLOMBO: 'Over 53% of population is women and sixty per cent of them are subjected to violence in Sri Lanka, said Women In Need (WIN) Executive Board Member Sumithra Fernando.

She was addressing the International Women's Day celebrations organised by the Sri Lanka Air Force Seva Vanitha Unit at the Bishop's College Auditorium, Colombo yesterday.

Throwing acid on women as a method of executing violence has increased significantly in Sri Lanka. It is very difficult to raise voice against violence against women, Fernando said.

"The Domestic Violence Act passed in 2005 is useful to safeguard women's rights. "The social and individual attitude that accept violence against women as normal should be changed. The State should ensure those unleash violence against women are firmly dealt with.

"Violence should be treated as a crime against humanity. "I request the female victims to come forward and demand for justice without waiting in silence, she said.

Kumari Dissanayake, Co-ordinating Secretary to the First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa said Thailand has presented a special award to the First Lady in recognition of her service towards Sri Lankan women and children.

"She was dedicated to social service since her childhood.

"She sets herself an example to the Sri Lankan women. We cannot expect everything from the Government. We have to face challenges with courage and fortitude, she said. SLAF SVU Chairperson Nelun Goonetilleke said the Seva Vanitha Unit has launched various projects to uplift the servicemen's families.

"The need of every woman for love, care, happiness, appreciation, respect and security is equal in nature." There must be no difference in the man's and woman's rights to live in dignity, to pursue and achieve life's aspirations and lead a contended life," she said.

First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa and Kusum Wickramanayake were felicitated on this occasion. Defence Ministry Seva Vanitha Unit Chairperson Ayoma Rajapaksa, Dr. Ranjani Perera, Anoma Fonseka, Asoka Karannagoda, Ramya Perera and several others were present.

Twelve sewing machines, wheelchairs, financial assistance and scholarships were presented to the families of fallen heroes and disabled SLAF officers.

Jenet Balasuriya presented a make-up demonstration. Several cultural items were presented by SLAF dancing troupe.

The Sri Lanka Air Force Seva Vanitha Unit was established on June 30, 1984 to empower and improve Sri Lankan women.