Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) remains a widespread issue in Sri Lanka, affecting women across different social and economic groups. The violence can be physical, sexual, psychological, economic or technology-facilitated. Yet access to protection, justice and support varies depending on where women live, the services available to them and their ability to seek help.
A study conducted between May 2022 and December 2024 by feminist rights organisations Viluthu examines these challenges through the experiences of 888 women victim-survivors and 109 service providers across eight districts. It maps existing SGBV prevention and response services and identifies gaps in healthcare, psychosocial support, policing, legal assistance and social services.
“This report shows the gaps in where SGBV was identified and documented,” legal and policy researcher Menaka Lekamwasam, said.
These findings, which were discussed in a press conference held on the 14th of August, show that Sri Lanka has a range of state and non-state services, but these services are unevenly available and often operate without effective coordination. Shortages of trained staff, limited funding, weak referral systems and inadequate facilities affect the quality of support.
SGBV affects women across socio-economic backgrounds. Despite high levels of female literacy in Sri Lanka, patriarchal norms and unequal decision-making power continue to shape women's experiences.
Awareness of SGBV is relatively high with the report stating that over 24.9 per cent of surveyed women experiencing sexual and physical violence since since they were 15. However, reporting remains limited. Many victim-survivors first turn to family members or friends rather than police, healthcare providers or legal services.
Stigma and fear can influence these decisions. Women may fear retaliation from perpetrators, judgement from family members or communities, or consequences for their financial security. Economic dependence on an abusive partner can make seeking help particularly difficult.
“Many women often feel shamed whenever they try to seek help and that is often why they do not seek help, which may lead to their mental health suffering,” clinical psychologist Sandini Rajapaksha, said.
Unpaid care responsibilities can also limit access. Childcare, transport costs and distance from services can prevent women from reaching support facilities, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas.
“Many women are often left with the burden of caring for the children and relatives, often when care services aren’t available,” legal and policy researcher, Lekamwasam, said.
Sri Lanka is a State Party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which requires measures to protect women's rights and address discrimination and violence.
The country also has constitutional guarantees of equality and several laws and policies addressing violence against women. However, the study identifies gaps in the domestic legal framework and its implementation.
Some forms of violence, including marital rape and technology-facilitated abuse, are not adequately addressed. The fragmented nature of the legal framework can leave victim-survivors without appropriate or effective legal remedies.
The National Action Plan on SGBV 2024–2027 provides a policy framework for a coordinated, multi-sectoral response. However, implementation across institutions remains a challenge.
Healthcare facilities are an important entry point for women experiencing violence. State health facilities provide free treatment, while services such as Mithuru Piyasa and Natpu Nilayam provide psychosocial support.
However, the study identifies shortages of trained personnel, including Judicial Medical Officers, inadequate medication, limited privacy and differences in service quality.
“There are many logistical barriers such as cost and also transport,” Lekamwasam said. “Services are often far away, especially for rural communities.”
Rajapaksha noted that psychosocial services also face staff shortages and limited public awareness. These gaps can reduce the ability of services to provide timely and sustained assistance.
“Many people, especially those in rural areas, do not have access to these services and have to travel a long way,” she said. “There is also the stigma and mistrust of using these services.”
The study recommends additional resources for underserved areas, integrated medical and mental health services, mobile units for remote communities and ongoing training in trauma-informed care.
The study recommends safe spaces for victim-survivors at police stations, specialised training, interpreter services and accountability mechanisms to address victim-blaming and negligence.
“People who are escaping hostile environments often needs a safe space to go to,” Lekamwasam said. “Many women remain in abusive homes due to a sense of shame or economic hardship.”
Legal assistance faces similar challenges. Inadequate staffing, confidentiality concerns and inconsistent service quality can affect access to justice.
The study recommends greater public awareness of Legal Aid Commission services, specialised training for Legal Aid officers and protective measures for victim-survivors during legal proceedings.
The recommendations involve multiple sectors. The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs is encouraged to strengthen awareness programmes, increase funding for rural services, standardise service quality and establish enforceable referral mechanisms.
Police services need specialised training, safe spaces and stronger accountability. Healthcare providers require additional resources, training and integrated services. Legal aid providers need stronger capacity and protective measures.
Civil society organisations are encouraged to improve service directories, referral databases, monitoring and evaluation, and to diversify funding sources. International NGOs and development agencies are encouraged to support sustainable funding and capacity-building.
The study also recommends involving men and boys in prevention efforts through education and community engagement.
The study shows that Sri Lanka has many of the components needed for an effective SGBV response but these components do not consistently operate as one system.
Improving the response requires services that are available, accessible and consistent across districts. Clear referral pathways, trained personnel, adequate funding and stronger data systems are central to this process.
For victim-survivors, the response should reduce unnecessary barriers and repeated retelling while ensuring access to medical care, psychosocial support, legal assistance, protection and social services.
The study's findings provide a framework for strengthening SGBV prevention and response in Sri Lanka through greater coordination, improved service quality and stronger institutional accountability.
The Morning is Sri Lanka’s foremost national news brand, delivering timely insights across politics, current affairs, sport, and entertainment. Stay informed with The Sunday Morning, The Daily Morning, and The Morning Online.
Developed by Derana Macroentertainment (Pvt) Ltd.
Copyright ©2023 Liberty Publishers (Pvt) Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Loading comments…