Urgent Appeal to Operationalize National Women’s Commission 📈

• Core Demand Over 135 women activists and organizations have issued a joint appeal to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to urgently operationalize the National Women’s Commission. While members have been appointed under the Women’s Empowerment Act No. 37 of 2024, activists claim the Commission currently exists "only on paper" without a budget, staff, or independent office. • Current Gaps & Governance • Operational Status: The Commission lacks an official seal and an independent physical workspace. • Independence Concerns: Activists noted that RTI requests regarding the Commission were redirected to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, which they argue subordinates the Commission and violates its independent mandate. • Key Powers: Once functional, the Commission is legally empowered to investigate infringements of women's rights and handle public complaints. • Context of Violence The appeal highlights a sharp rise in gender-based violence across Sri Lanka, including: • Workplace & Public Space: Increasing physical and verbal harassment. • Online Harassment: Recent high-profile cases of sexualized abuse targeting female leaders and activists. • Demands for Action The signatories are demanding a clear timeline for full operationalization, the allocation of sufficient finances and resources for the 2026 fiscal year, and total political independence from ministry oversight to ensure legal protections for victims.