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29 March 2024

'Woman raped every 90 minutes in Sri Lanka'

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By Correspondent

A woman is raped every 90 minutes in Sri Lanka, according to a women’s rights organisation in the country, the ‘Mirror’ newspaper has reported.

Speaking at a media conference, Saroja Savithri Paulraj, co-president of ‘Women for Rights’, said, “Murders, frauds and corruption as well as crimes against women are escalating in the country. Sexual violence targeting women and children has increased many-fold. This wave of crime started with the murders of women at Kahawatta. Recently, a female teacher was forced to kneel down in front of her students and other members of her staff.

“Domestic violence too has increased from 60 per cent in 2011 to 80 per cent in 2013. Sri Lanka is ranked fifth in domestic violence and a woman is raped every 90 minutes in the country. 95 per cent of women who use public transport have suffered abuse.”

She further stated, “A social environment has been created where the dignity of women is compromised. Such a situation exists due to the political and economic conditions in the country. Privileged politicians are often directly involved in these crimes.”

An awareness programme under the theme ‘Prevent crime, let’s live in peace’ has been arranged by the organisation and an island-wide campaign will be launched on July 18 to distribute leaflets.