At International Women’s Day celebrations:

WHERE DO RAPISTS, CHILD ABUSERS GALORE?

Greatest HR violators are those making baseless allegations against us:

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

Those who level baseless allegations against Sri Lanka are the greatest violators of Human Rights, and perpetrators of child abuse and harassment of women, Child Development and Women’s Affairs Minister Tissa Karalliyadda said.

First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa felicitating UPFA Nationalist List M.P Kamala Ranatunga at a ceremony to mark International Women’s Day at Temple Trees yesterday. Child Development and Women’s Affairs Minister Tissa Karalliyadda was also present.

“Sri Lanka is targeted by some quarters with vested interests that make false accusations against us. Certain Western countries are attacking Sri Lanka to cover up their shortcomings and dismal Human Rights records. We condemn such double standards and categorically refute such allegations. We invite those groups to wake up from their deep slumber and see the crimes taking place in their countries against children and women, before pointing the finger at us,” the Minister said.

“Regardless of the economic standards of countries, cases of child abuse and violence against women are reported frequently,” the Minister said.

The Minister was addressing the national event held under the patronage of First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa at Temple Trees to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) 2013 yesterday.

The event was organised by the Child Development and Women’s Affairs Ministry under the theme ‘Let us protect her who protects the family’ (Pawla Rakina Aeya Surakimu). This theme was selected for this year as gratitude for the unique services rendered by mothers, who protect and safeguard the family, while dedicating their lives to uplift the family economy.

Minister Karalliyadda said a qualitatively solid and systematic approach is badly needed to mitigate child abuse and violence against women.

A practical approach will greatly help mitigate child abuse and violence against women, while providing a solid foundation for the safety of children and women.

The Minister said Sri Lankan women play a pivotal role in society reaching the top in various fields. Women are provided with many benefits when compared to their counterparts in other countries.

He further said women and children in the North and East are benefited by peace, gained after much sacrifice by our brave Security Forces. “No more war widows are added to society since there is no war in the country. As a result of peace dividends, early marriages are not reported from the North and East. Children in the North and East were forced to get married early so as to avoid being drafted by the LTTE as child soldiers,” the minister said.

“Sri Lankan women should think twice when going for foreign employment since it creates a huge social impact. Women will be sent to higher positions, such as nurses, teachers than housemaids for foreign employment. The ministry will educate women on ways of improving the family economic standards.

First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa felicitated 15 women who have been serving the country and contributing for the betterment of women and children in various fields.

In line with the national event, regional events were also held at district secretariat basis. Each year, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8.

Thousands of events are held not just on this day, but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Organizations, governments, charities, educational institutions, women’s groups, corporations and the media celebrate the day.

Many groups around the world choose different themes each year relevant to global and local gender issues.