The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Speaker.

¶ 02 Before answering the questions raised by the Hon. Leader of the Opposition on 2026.02.03 under Standing Order 27(2), let me briefly state the legal background. The National Commission on Women is not an institution gazetted under the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs.

¶ 03 Under Section 69 of the Women’s Empowerment Act, No. 37 of 2024, the National Commission on Women is established with specified powers and functions to realize the objectives of women’s empowerment. Previously, there was a Women’s Committee under the Ministry; with the enactment of the 2024 Act, the “Women’s Committee” was abolished and the “National Commission on Women” established. Upon appointment, the Commission functions as an independent institution. The Government fully upholds its independence on behalf of the women of Sri Lanka.

¶ 04 In response to the questions raised under Standing Order 27(2) on 2026.02.03:

¶ 05 1. The functions of the National Commission on Women are set out in the 2024 Act, No. 37, including inquiring into and investigating violations and imminent violations of women’s rights, and receiving complaints under Part XI of the Act—among a total of 23 specified functions. The detailed list referred to under Question No. 1 is submitted at the end of this Answer.