Over 135 women's organizations and activists across Sri Lanka have jointly petitioned President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to urgently enable the functioning of the National Women's Commission, citing alarming increases in violence against women nationwide. The comprehensive letter, dated January 13th, 2026, highlights critical gaps in women's protection mechanisms and calls for immediate government intervention.
Rising Violence Against Women Sparks Urgent Appeal
The coalition of women's rights advocates has documented escalating incidents of gender-based violence occurring in homes, workplaces, and public spaces throughout the country. Political activists working directly with affected communities report that these incidents have intensified over recent months, creating an urgent need for institutional support and protection mechanisms.
The National Women's Commission, established as Sri Lanka's primary body for addressing women's rights and gender equality issues, has faced operational challenges that have significantly hampered its effectiveness. The petitioning organizations argue that restoring full functionality to this crucial institution is essential for addressing the current crisis.
Comprehensive Call for Government Action
The letter to President Dissanayake represents one of the largest coordinated efforts by Sri Lankan women's organizations in recent years. The diverse coalition includes grassroots activists, established NGOs, professional associations, and community-based organizations spanning multiple provinces and ethnic communities.
Key demands outlined in the petition include immediate appointment of commissioners, allocation of adequate funding, and establishment of clear operational mandates for the National Women's Commission. The organizations emphasize that without proper institutional backing, vulnerable women across the country remain without adequate recourse or protection.
The timing of this appeal is particularly significant, coming during a period when Sri Lanka faces multiple socio-economic challenges. The petitioners argue that women's safety and rights cannot be sidelined amid other national priorities, as gender-based violence often escalates during times of social and economic instability.
National Women's Commission: Critical Role in Protection
The National Women's Commission serves as Sri Lanka's statutory body responsible for investigating complaints of discrimination and violence against women, monitoring implementation of women's rights legislation, and advising government on policy matters affecting women. When fully operational, the commission provides crucial support services including legal aid, counseling referrals, and advocacy for legislative reforms.
However, the commission's effectiveness has been undermined by various operational constraints, including incomplete appointments, insufficient funding, and unclear mandates. These limitations have created significant gaps in protection services precisely when they are most needed.
The petitioning organizations highlight that functional women's commissions in other countries have successfully reduced gender-based violence rates and improved women's access to justice. They argue that Sri Lanka's commission could achieve similar results with proper government support and resources.
Broader Implications for Women's Rights
The coordinated appeal reflects growing concerns about women's safety and rights in contemporary Sri Lanka. Beyond immediate violence prevention, the organizations emphasize that a functioning National Women's Commission would address broader issues including workplace discrimination, equal pay, political participation, and access to education and healthcare.
Statistical evidence cited by the petitioners indicates that violence against women affects families across all socio-economic levels and geographic regions. The organizations argue that addressing this issue requires coordinated national-level intervention that only a properly functioning commission can provide.
The letter also highlights the international dimension, noting Sri Lanka's commitments under various UN conventions and treaties related to women's rights. The petitioners argue that fulfilling these international obligations requires strong domestic institutions, with the National Women's Commission playing a central role.
Political Response and Next Steps
President Dissanayake's administration faces mounting pressure to respond decisively to this appeal. The broad-based nature of the petition, representing diverse constituencies across the country, makes it politically significant beyond its immediate policy implications.
Women's rights advocates are calling for transparent timelines and concrete action plans rather than general commitments. They emphasize that delayed responses could result in further escalation of violence and erosion of public confidence in government commitment to women's safety.
The petition represents a test case for the current administration's approach to human rights and social justice issues. How the government responds will likely influence broader civil society engagement and set precedents for addressing other institutional reform priorities.
As Sri Lanka continues navigating complex political and economic transitions, the call to strengthen the National Women's Commission highlights the critical importance of maintaining focus on fundamental human rights protections. The outcome of this appeal will significantly impact women's safety and rights across the country for years to come.