The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to speak on the Votes of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, on International Women’s Day.

¶ 02 Sri Lanka has achieved a lot for women: we had the world’s first woman Head of State; today our Prime Minister is a woman; our Chief Justice is a woman; we have the highest number of women MPs compared to any era; we have a woman DIG; and over 23 per cent women at local government level, with a 25 per cent quota in the Provincial Councils Elections Act. Overall, Sri Lankan women are progressive. But, we still live in a male‑chauvinistic society. Though women are 52 per cent of the population, how many are in the workforce?

¶ 03 I wish to raise issues concerning Muslim women. The Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA) dates to 1951. The community has agitated for reforms; committees have deliberated; we Muslim politicians share responsibility for delays. Under the general Marriage Registration Ordinance, the minimum age is 18; the Muslim community has consensus to make it 18 as well, with a proviso for exceptional circumstances. Also, Muslim women should have the right to sign the marriage certificate at the time of marriage. These are urgent reforms with community consensus.

¶ 04 Regarding the Quazi Court system, which adjudicates Muslim divorces, we need to retain it as part of our personal law but strengthen it: allow women to be members/judges; appoint competent persons—consider appointing judges—with attractive salaries and facilities.

¶ 05 On maintenance, at present a Muslim woman must first get an order from the Quazi Court and then enforce it in the Magistrate’s Court. Provide a direct mechanism for Muslim women also to go to the Magistrate’s Court for maintenance.

¶ 06 On the Judiciary more generally: promotions from High Court to Court of Appeal involve the President, Chief Justice and Constitutional Council. Though there is no constitutional process for recommending names, by convention the President consults the Chief Justice. A petition culture has developed, where frivolous complaints lead to overlooking the seniormost judges on the basis of pending inquiries, without affording them an opportunity to respond. There should be a collective process allowing a seniormost judge who feels unjustly overlooked to place his grievance before the Chief Justice and the Constitutional Council for consideration of merits and demerits before depriving him of promotion.

¶ 07 Returning to today’s subject: day‑care centres are essential to bring more women into the workforce. Improve quality and increase numbers, including compelling private sector organizations to have them. Also provide for children of women working overseas, ensuring day‑care and preschool access.

¶ 08 Estate wages: estate workers get Rs. 1,350 a day; they are the most socio‑economically deprived. The last regime tried to raise it to Rs. 2,000 via the Wages Board. I urge engagement with the Ministers of Plantation and Labour to ensure Rs. 2,000 is paid. Estate women are most affected.

¶ 09 Gender‑based violence, particularly in public transport, is a grave problem. A 2013 UN survey reported in the Daily Mirror Editorial of 05 March 2025 states three out of five women are victims of domestic violence and a woman is raped every 90 minutes; less than five per cent of culprits are prosecuted. The Prevention of Domestic Violence Act provides a powerful tool—restraining orders from Magistrates’ Courts—but awareness is low. Work with police to educate women.

¶ 10 Many women go overseas as housemaids, often unskilled, with heavy social costs. Promote skilled migration and discourage mothers with young children from leaving by providing income‑earning opportunities and empowerment at home.

¶ 11 Workplace sexual harassment is prevalent, with women reluctant to complain due to stigma. Establish a 24‑hour call centre on sexual harassment; encourage reporting of rape, harassment and domestic violence; educate society to avoid stigmatizing victims.

¶ 12 Child abuse is increasing. Include age‑appropriate education in school curricula; have designated staff (principal or assigned officer) to whom children can complain.

¶ 13 Special programmes are needed for war‑affected children, widows and orphans in the North; seek foreign aid and diaspora support to empower them.

¶ 14 Hon. Minister, you have a mandate from 52 per cent of the population. Provide leadership to uplift women’s economic and social status and address the issues I raised.

¶ 15 Thank you, Hon. Chairman.