What kind of rights do women in Sri Lanka enjoy?
Compared to the other South Asian countries, the physical quality of life is quite good. But in recent times there has been an increase in the violence against women. That may be due to the climate of war and associated factors. What kind of violence? Are women specially targeted or is it due to women being the worst sufferers in any conflict situation? There are cases of rape in the conflict areas, but we are seeing an increasing incidence of rape throughout the country. The IGP (Inspector General of Police) recently pointed out that in 1980 this number was about 170. It is now about 1,000. That is a dramatic increase. Also there has been an increase in domestic violence, which I think has to do with the conflict. What do you feel about women opting to work, particularly in the Gulf countries, in unskilled jobs and in domestic service. Many such women are abused and the impact on the family, particularly on the children, in their absence, is adverse in more ways than one… To some ex
