New bill to prevent domestic violence

COLOMBO (News1st); State Minister of Women and Child Affairs Geetha Kumarasinghe said a new bill will be tabled in Parliament to prevent domestic violence.

The draft bill introduces many provisions such as the opportunity for a close relative to file a case on behalf of women who are victims of domestic violence.

She added there are 11 temporary detention centers for abused women centered around the Gampaha, Ratnapura, Colombo, Matara, Batticaloa, Anuradhapura, Monaragala and Nuwara Eliya districts.

State Minister Geetha Kumarasinghe said the Women's Empowerment Bill was gazetted and presented to the Cabinet.

She said the amendment was required based on a new proposal by the Women Parliamentarians Caucus in Parliament, and a few changes that were made to the existing provisions.

The State Minister said if the bill is passed in Parliament, it will include provisions to establish a National Women's Commission.

She added that a bill regarding gender equality was also presented to Cabinet and measures will be taken to gazette it and table it in Parliament.