The main opposition – Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and female MPs have called on the government to review proposed amendments that seek to lower the age of capacity to consent to sex from 16 years to 14 years for female minors.

Slamming the decision, Premadasa pointed out that there is a strong call from Sri Lankan women to review the government’s decision.

Meanwhile, the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus has sent a letter to the Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reform – Wijedasa Rajapaksa, requesting that the bill gazetted on February 9, 2024 to amend Chapter 19 of the Penal Code be withdrawn immediately.

According to the amendments made to the Penal Code in 1995, even if a girl under 16 years of age has sexual relations of her own free will, it is considered rape and the proposed amendment to the Penal Code by the Minister of Justice will lower the age limit to 14 years.

Therefore, as the Chair of the women parliamentarians’ Caucus, Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle, MP, who states that she expresses her deep concern about the proposed amendment to section 364 of the Penal Code, informs that the details related to the matters to be concerned about the proposed amendments to section 364 are attached with her letter.

Therefore, Ms. Fernandopalle states that she requests on behalf of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus to withdraw the proposed bill to amend Section 364 of the Penal Code.

It is also requested on behalf of the Caucus to prioritize the protection of women and children and uphold justice for the vulnerable population in Sri Lanka.  Ms. Fernandopulle further informs in her letter that her Caucus is ready to discuss further information or alternative proposals in this regard at any time.