'Legalising abortions should be discussed on wider scale'

Priyanka Kurugala

Politicians are not the most suitable persons to take suitable decisions on legalizing abortion in Sri Lanka. The topic of abortion should be discussed on a much wider scale, JHU Leader Ven Omalpe Sobhitha Thera said.

Allowing abortions by law, will only lead to the increase in the number of abortions. On the other hand to prevent such illegal abortions what is required is to teach society on Sri Lanka's noble and rich traditions the Thera said.

According to Buddhism and according to our culture we have to find out solution for the causes not the effects especially the younger generation should be made aware about the five precepts, the Thera said.

Allowing for abortions is to allow killing. To prevent AIDS as well as illegal abortions, we have to cultivate morals and ethics, the Thera explained.

Meanwhile Child Development and Women's Affairs Minister Tissa Karaliyadda said that, no final decision has been taken yet to change the implementation of law on abortion by the authorities and a committee has been appointed to consider this issue, he said.

The committee report will be presented to the Cabinet. It will upto the Cabinet to decide, he added.