1. Justice Delayed is Justice Denied. Expedite judgement in all rape cases and sexual violence. We need justice for Vithiya, Seya and all other rape victims. Expedite the hearing in all rape cases *benchmarking Seya Sadewmi Case.
2. Clear the backlog of all cases of rape, incest, and grave sexual abuse by assigning (as a temporary measure) separate Courts in each district for cases of sexual violence against women and children.
3. The practice of giving suspended sentences to rapists should be stopped completely.
4. Rape is punishable under Article 364 (1) of the Penal Code of Sri Lanka, which carries a minimum of 7 years to a maximum 20 year rigorous imprisonment, a fine, and a Court order to pay compensation. In cases of a statutory rape, the maximum sentence should be increased to more than 20 years *including but not limited to life sentence.
5. The penal code allows the age of consent for sexual intercourse to be above 16 years. The age of majority in Sri Lanka is 18 and the marriageable age is 18. Therefore, comprehensive education should be made compulsory in all schools.
6. Decriminalize medical termination of pregnancies in the case of **rape, and major congenital abnormalities with immediate effect by amending the penal code.
7. Register all school buses and private vehicles that transport school children with the police and with the Ministry of Education. Make it compulsory that a woman should be present in all private-owned transport facilities; to and from school.
8. Strengthen Women and Children’s desks in all districts by appointing well trained gender sensitive Police officers.
9. Establish a structure for systematic data collection on rape and all forms of sexual violence against women and girls. (**Maintaining sexual offender database is a must & make it public)
10. Provide protection, relief and legal and medical remedies; including appropriate compensation to victims and their families.
11. Establish a unified Civil Code in Sri Lanka defining the age of marriage as 18 years ***(No community should have separate laws for themselves irrespective of religion or tradition. Which includes abolishing any acts passed such as the act for Kathi courts).
12. Establish a special fund to provide legal and medical intervention, including DNA testing in the cases of rape, incest and all sex-related violence.
13. Ensure safe public transport for all women and girls in all areas, times and place.
14. Set-up a special unit to fast-track cases concerning violence against women and children at the Attorney Generals’ Department.
15) Make Sexual education mandatory at schools. Make a curriculum that cover all aspects of basic sexual education that includes sexual health & safety.
16. Give self-defense/Situation handling/Martial arts training in schools as a part of physical education.
17. Provide special protections to victims and witnesses in cases of sexual violence and enforce the law on witness and victim protection.
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