How hard is it to admit fault, Ambassador Wickramasuriya?
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the US, Jaliya Wickramasuriya, recently responded to the Crisis Group Report’s assertion that assault on women in Sri Lanka is on the rise. On the one hand, the…
Gender
Violence Against Women: This is my story
Two months ago I sat for my first year final exams at the Open University of Sri Lanka. Last month’s edition of the showcased 3 pages of clothes from designer K.T Brown…
Sri Lankan Women Human Rights Defenders: Linking Past and Present Challenges
As another year begins to draw to a close on post-war Sri Lanka, we can take stock of which changes, or the lack of change, we see around us. The full…
The Islamic Republic of Sri Lanka
Photo by Daniel Munoz/Reuters via ABC Last weekend I received a call from a friend who was understandably outraged. On the way to her estate to join her husband who had been working…
Are there really gay Sri Lankans?
As I write this, friends and people I have worked with, are living in fear. In truth, since Saturday before last (10th September) when Rivira published their exposé on condoms and lubricating…
Women and Media Collective Press Conference on Violence Against Women
The Women and Media Collective held a press conference last week to address the incidence of violence against women with regard to the ‘grease devil’ phenomenon. The Collective also stressed that it…
How can society protect vulnerable women from post war atrocities?
I just viewed a documentary produced recently by Al Jazeera titled ‘Civil war leaves Sri Lankan women vulnerable’. The film has left me deeply disturbed, shocked and ashamed particularly because as a…
Vesak and Violence Against Women
Original photograph REUTERS/Damir Sagolj I have not hidden my increasing disdain for the way Buddhism is practiced and promoted in Sri Lanka. To say the least, we have not only forgotten what it…
The burka ban: Europe and Muslims on collision course?
‘I think someone forced you to wear this. I will help you. Here is a fine of €200’. Sounds stupid? Well that’s the bizarre logic of the French rescue plan/law to help…
‘National security’ in post-war Sri Lanka: Women’s (In) security in the North
Photo from Resurrecting the ‘undead Tiger’[1] to secure the citizen: How the situation of women belie the dominant security narrative ‘The world should appreciate our successful anti-terrorist effort. But today we are…
Celebrating WOMEN: Women’s Photography Exhibition 2011
“” ~ Susan Brownell Anthony (15th February 1820 ~ 13th March 1906, American Women’s Rights Activist, Civil Rights leader and suffragist) Journalism is still a heavily male dominated field in Sri Lanka….
Violence Against Women and Girls in Sri Lanka: No April Fools joke
Listen to the podcast (~15 mins): here
Women on Top: Sexuality and rights in Sri Lanka
Poster from Equal Ground The author delivered the speech below at the annual International Women’s Day celebration event organised by Equal Ground – WOMEN ON TOP. This event also marked the launch…
A perennial struggle: Women’s political representation in Sri Lanka
Women constitute 52% of Sri Lanka’s population, however women constitute only 2% of elected members of Local Authorities. A critical concern is the very low levels of nominations received by women (approximately…
These Sri Lankan whores! Serve them right!
Name and shame the whores that act in pornographic films online. Their seedy grainy stuck-between-teeth pictures plastered across newspapers will be the deterrent for other whores who have the same idea. Designate…