Prevention of Domestic Violence
Act
(PDVA) No 34 of 2005
The PDV Act was drafted in consultation with
women’s groups and gender advocates. It
provides a procedure for obtaining a protection
order in response to domestic violence, which
has been defined so as to include sexual violence
including marital rape, even though marital rape
is not in general a criminal offence in the Penal
Code of Sri Lanka.
The Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, 2005
provides for protection orders to be urgently
obtained to safeguard women and children
suffering and at risk of domestic violence, and
responses have been introduced that look into
basic needs such as housing and safety, and
the economic needs of victims
If the Protection Order is not adhered the
respondent can be imprisoned for contempt of
court. The Respondent can be charged under
section 315, 316, 317 of the Penal Code for
grievous hurt and similar offences. There are
provisions for the victim to obtain safe
accommodation for the victim and her children.
Cases Reported on Domestic Violence, Sexual
Harassment and Rape (2006-2011)
Offence
2006 2007 2008 2009
2010 2011
Domestic
violence
53
69
103
78
38
55
Sexual
18
harassment
06
08
04
01
08
Rape
13
15
24
09
03
01
There are sufficient laws to curb abuse of girls and women. The problem lies
with the enforcement of laws. Is there proper investigation of cases?
• Is there sufficient hearing to the victim?
• Is there proper counseling or other kinds of treatment for victims of abuse?
• Are the law enforcement officers discharging their duties for the best
interest of the society?
• Have the law enforcement officers taken family disputes seriously?
• Is there speedy hearing of cases? Is the time taken to hear a case in the
present context acceptable and appropriate to serve justice?
• Should there be more state counsel to conduct cases speedily?
• Are the culprits serving full sentence?
• Is the pardoning of prisoners for good behavior acceptable?
Land Development
Ordinance
III schedule of the
Ordinance
Concluding observations of the Committee on
CEDAW:Discriminatory laws- preference is given to male
heirs over female heirs on ownership of crown
lands in the Land Development Ordinance
Amendments are made to the
ordinance
To remove the discriminatory wordings and to
include gender neutral wordings to the
relevant section
It is intended to promote gender equality in
selecting the heirs