The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, by Act No. 37 of 2024 on Women’s Empowerment, the “National Commission on Women” was established as an independent statutory body to safeguard the rights of women. However, within a short period of four months of its establishment, its first Chairperson, Dr. Ramani Jayasundere, has resigned. Media reports state the primary reasons include lack of adequate budgetary provisions to function independently, absence of an independent office and proper staff, and administrative interference by the line Ministry undermining the Commission’s independence, with attempts to bring the Commission under the Ministry.

¶ 02 In line with CEDAW, SDG Goal 5 and Sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Women’s Empowerment Act, the Commission has a mandate to enhance protection for women and to establish and operate a national fund for women, among others. Contrary to Paris Principles, the Commission is in a very unfortunate state. I therefore pose the following questions seeking clarity from the Government:

¶ 03 1. What is the mandate of the National Commission on Women? What precise reasons did Dr. Ramani Jayasundere state for resigning within such a short period?

¶ 04 2. What budgetary allocations have been made so far for the Commission?

¶ 05 Hon. Speaker, it is being said that not a single rupee was allocated in the Budget for the Commission, which is cited as a reason for the resignation. How can the Commission function without funds?

¶ 06 3. Has an independent office space and staff been provided? If not, has the Commission been integrated into the Ministry and is it using Ministry staff? As the Commission is an independent body, is there any plan to place it under the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and deploy Ministry staff? Does the Government accept that such steps undermine the Commission’s statutory independence?

¶ 07 Hon. Speaker, funds are not allocated; no premises are provided; and independence appears to be compromised.

¶ 08 Further, without the Commission’s approval, a former Ministry Secretary has been appointed as Executive Director. A request for a meeting with the Presidential Secretary has not been granted. It is due to these matters, as we understand, that Dr. Ramani Jayasundere, a highly reputed person, has resigned. What steps will the Government take to rectify this? Will it provide the necessary office, staff, and funds—including allocations to the Women’s Development Fund? If the Government brings a supplementary estimate, the Opposition is ready to support it. What measures will be taken and when?

¶ 09 On what basis were the Chairperson and Members permitted to function within Ministry premises, if the Commission’s independence must be protected?

¶ 10 Are the allegations true that the Government is trying to convert this independent Commission into a unit of the Ministry? If not, what immediate steps will be taken to ensure its independence?

¶ 11 In countries such as South Africa, the UK, Australia and Canada, significant legal strength is afforded to protect women’s rights. While those countries do this, here the Government is undermining the Women’s Commission, violating women’s rights. What solutions will be provided?

¶ 12 What is the Government’s plan to prevent the primary independent body standing for women’s rights from becoming dysfunctional?

¶ 13 Our female labour force participation is around 31–33 per cent. We must raise this; experts say increasing it could boost GDP by about 20 per cent. Why is the Commission being rendered ineffective through petty considerations?

¶ 14 Moreover, 135 organizations and individuals active on women’s rights have signed and written to the President urging that the “project to dissolve” the Women’s Commission be abandoned and the Commission be strengthened. I expect the Government to respond today.