Government is obligated to respect, protect the rights of Muslim Women ,Children. Why are you falling short?
COLOMBO :
At a recent press conference, Cabinet spokesperson Vijitha Herath stated that the NPP government sees no reason to amend the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA) of 1951. He further expressed that the opinions regarding this law are merely viewpoints and that the government respects the right to freedom of expression. His comments, devoid of any depth, have caused waves among Muslim intellectuals, victims and reform activists. It is unacceptable to give credence to such views from the NPP government, that should be held accountable for its role.
Article 12(1) of Sri Lanka’s 1978 Constitution guarantees equal treatment and protection under the law for all citizens, making it the government’s responsibility to ensure the fair implementation of the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act. By shifting this responsibility to religious leaders, the government neglects its duties. If the NPP government is genuinely committed to addressing the biases in the Act, what steps will it take to prevent the negative consequences it creates, particularly for Muslim women and girls? The Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act, which upholds patriarchal structures, continues to discriminate against women and girls, with the male-only Quazi system—known for corruption and discriminatory practices—directly violating Article 12 of the Constitution. Furthermore, the Quazi system is funded by taxpayers’ money, making it the government’s responsibility to address these issues. Holding the government accountable for perpetuating these unjust practices is not only a right but an obligation, especially for an administration elected on the promise of equality.
Is it acceptable for the government to downplay this serious issue by referring to it as “freedom of expression” or “social opinion”? We, Muslim women, strongly condemn the irresponsible remarks made by Minister Vijitha Herath to the media. Furthermore, what is the NPP’s stance on this issue? During the election campaign, the NPP promised to “amend laws that discriminate against women & children and subject them to additional pressures.” Why, then, is Cabinet spokesperson Vijitha Herath expressing such views to the media?
Is the NPP merely adopting a manipulative stance to gain Muslim votes? If the NPP truly seeks the votes of the Muslim women who have been severely impacted by this law, we, as Muslim women, demand that the NPP clearly state its position on the amendment of the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act before the election. Otherwise, it will simply be seen as a government that is unwilling to take responsibility for the issues affecting Muslim women.
We had hoped that the NPP would be a party that would bring about structural changes – through constitutional reform that treats all Sri Lankans equally and amend all laws that discriminate against women and children and the marginalised. This is why we voted for the President.
For the past 40 years, every political party has failed to amend the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act in a way that truly considers our perspectives and prioritizes the rights of women and children. If the NPP chooses to follow the same path, neglecting to address the deep-seated biases within this law, it will expose itself as a party interested only in securing Muslim votes, not in delivering real change. Such an outcome would make it clear that the NPP, like its predecessors, has failed Muslim women and children by refusing to act on their behalf.
Endorsed by:
Individuals:
- Nabeela Iqbal, Sisterhood Initiative, Kotte
2. Fawzul Himaya Hareed, Sisterhood Initiative, Kandy - Piyumi Wattuhewa, Sisterhood Initiative, Kiribathgoda
- Angela Forman, Sisterhood Initiative, Colombo
- Aqilah Nikhat Naleem, Sisterhood Initiative, Colombo
- Samiha Mohamed Muhsin, Sisterhood Initiative, Kandy
- Sumaiya Frahath ,Sisterhood Initiative , Matale
- Muqaddasa Abdul Wahid, Sisterhood Initiative, Colombo
- Shifa Najumudeen, Sisterhood Initiative, Matale
- Amani Raji, Sisterhood Initiative, Colombo
- Hafsah Muheed, Dehiwala
- M. A. R Suhaina, Mount Lavinia
- Shafna Faizer , Dehiwala
- Naafia Sarifodeen ,Colombo
- Humaira Akram , Kolonnawa
- Mohamed Yaseen Minnathul Suheera
- Abdul Cader Fathima Husna
- Mohamed Haniffa Jiffriya
- Sainulabdeen Janeeta
- G. Rifa Mohamed Musthaffa
- Abdul Majeed Fathima Murshitha
- Yoosuf Rinoza
- Mohamed Sitheeque Fathima Hani Zakkira
- Bathusha Faroosa
- Mohamed Caseem Hajara
- K. Nihal Ahamed
- M. I. Mohamed Hassan. Puttalam
- M. S. M. Shazmi. Jaffna
- A. M. Anfaz. Negombo
- M. N. M. Muja. Puttalam
- Bisliya Bhutto, Former Member of Puttalam Pradeshiya Sabha and Social Activist
- Fathima Amra. Batticaloa
- Fathima Bisriya. Jaffna
- Fawzul Rifaya. Puttalam
- Raseena Thawfeek. Puttalam
- Fathima Fiyasa. Puttalam
- Mujeeba Mujeeb. Puttalam
- Fuad Faroosa. Colombo
- Fathima Ilma. Puttalam
- Fathima Risana. Puttalam
- Sakina Mansoorally, Sisterhood Initiative, Colombo
- Ahsan Afthar, Paragahadeniya
- As Buhary Mohamed, Batticoloa, Human Rights Activist
- S L M. Israth Ali, Ampara, Social activist
- Jawahir Muhammadu Farhan,Batticoloa, Human Rights Activist
- Cadar Basha Shaifun, Social activists and Researcher, Ampara
- M. C. M. Meerasahibu, Manager RDF, Husainiyapuram Puttalam
- Abdul Ramees, Husainiyapuram Social Activist. Puttalam
- Fasildeen Muflik, Social Activist, Sooduventhepulavu, Vavuniya
- Nasar Mohamed Kaffel, Social Activist, Pattanichchoor Vavuniya
- Bavurtheen Mohamed Basrin, Social Activist, Moor Street, Mannar.
- Mohamed Baseer Mohamed Safras, Palaviya Social Activist
- Abdul Salam Mohamed Nafees, Teacher Puttalam
- Zahira Ismail, Social Activist, Ampara
- A. P. M. Nafeel, Teacher, Puttalam
- Mohammad ismail maseen, Teacher, kanamoolai
- Kalanther Lebbe Fathima Zahrath (LLB), Addalaichenai, Intern-at Human Rights Commission of SriLanka
- Kalanther Lebbe Fathima Zakeenath, Addalaichenai, LLB Undergraduate at University of Jaffna
- Kalanther Lebbe Fathima Nafla, Addalaichenai, Development Officer at Ak.AL Muneera Girls High School
- Zumana Ziyad, Pandura
- Mihar Misbah, Paragahadeniya
- Maideen pichai Sahul Hameed, Moulavi Addalaichenai
- Kaleeullah Thasneema, Former member of pradesiya saba, Social activist and researcher Musali, Mannar
- Arisha Ahmath, Behaviour Therapist, Puttalam
- Lafeer Sana, Moulaviya, (Sumaya ladies arabic college), Rahmaniya, kinniya 01
- M. A. M. Anfas, Ukuwela
- K. P. Rifkhan, Kalpitiya
- Ishfaque M – Puttalam
- M. S. M. Zahir, Sainthamarudhu
- M. A. M. Aadhil, Paragahadeniya
- Shydhah Zaara Nizamudeen, Batticaloa, Human Rights Activist
- Mohamed Fareed, Batticoloa, Social Worker
- A R Janusa, BA Undergraduate at university of Peradeniya,Trincomalee (kanthela) Inter-at Human Rights trainer commission of Sri Lanka
- Fathima Nuzaifa Nazeer, Ampara district, Human rights activist
- Abdul Rauf Rasim Ahamed,Batticoloa, Eravur. Human Rights Researcher
- M. I. M. Ijlal, Trincomalee, Human Rights Documentary Creator
- A R Janusa, BA Undergraduate at university of Peradeniya , Trincomalee (kanthela)
- Ismayil Aaysha banu, Puttalam, Bachelor of Social Work Undergraduate at NISD, Researcher & Social Activist
- Sadhique Mohamed Ihsan,Trincomalee, Minority Rights Facilitator
- Hameethu labbai mohemed farees, Trincomalee, Human Rights Trainer
- R. Naska Pre school teacher, Peace Building Facilitator, Ampara
- S.I.M.Nifras, Human Rights Journalist, Batticaloa
- R. M. Shifan, Peace Building Facilitator, Trincomale
- Murshith Mohamed, Ninthavur
- A. F. Ramzaniya, Social Activist & Researcher,Puttalam
- Sulaima lebbe Majitha Social Activist & Researcher, Vallaichenai
- Akeela, Student, Kottaramulla
- A. N. Aashiq Mohammed, Social Activist, Writer. At Humanity Sri Lanka.
- Haizam Aminudeen, Social Activist, At Humanity Sri Lanka
- Wahid Mohamed Ihmas, Social Activist, At Humanity Sri Lanka
- Mohamed Shareef Mohamed Aaqeel, Social Activist, At Humanity Srilanka
- Mazeena Bucker.Politician,Former MMC Member Moratuwa, Colombo District.
- Juwairiya mohideen – Muslim women’s development trust
- M.faheema bugum – Muslim women’s development trust
- H.F.Humaidha – Kalpity Road, aalanguda , eathali
- Mrs.Habeeba – Muslim women’s development trust
- Nihla sahani- mullipuram , puttalam
- N.F.Nasroon – kalpity Road , kandalkuda, Thalawila
- Miss.sareeka – Muslim women’s development trust
- Mrs.Ramsiya -Thillayadi, puttalam
- Mrs. Aska – kalpity Road, vellangarai ,pallivasathurai
- Miss.Imani – Koththantheevu,palavi
- Saheeka Banu – k.k.street,puttalam
- Mrs.Risna -Mannar Road, 2m kattai, puttalam
- M.F.Musarrath – kalpity Road , janavasal, eathalai
- Faahima – koththantheevu , palavi
- Mrs.Samama – puttalam Road , Bathuloya
- Mrs.Nasrin – Thilalyadi, puttalam
- A.Lamika – Social Activists – Mullaitivu
- A.Lamsiya – Social Activists – Mullaitivu
- Jumana – Women Right Activists – Mullaitivu
- Rasika – Women Right Activists – Mullaitivu
- A.S.Naseera – Social Activists – Mullaitivu
- M.Janusa – Women Right Activists – Mullaitivu
- N.Nuskiya – Social Activists – Mullaitivu
- S.Zainab – Social Activists – Mullaitivu
- S.Anjitha – Social Activists – Mullaitivu
- M.M.Jansila – Human Right Activists – Mullaitivu
- K. Hafsa – Social Activists – Mullaitivu
- A. Hasal – Social Activists – Mullaitivu
- M. M. Noorul Ismiya, Member of Mediation Board and social Activist. Trincomalee
- M. Fathima Nazreen, Attorney At-Low, Trincomalee
- Kaila Nona Rasool, Para journalist, Trincomalee
- M.Mihraj Mubaahshira, Moulaviya(R.H.G.A College), Kinniya – 03
- A.B.Fathima Maureen, Trained Teacher , Trincomalee
- Fakeeha Rizamdeen, Primary Teacher, Muthur
- Sathakku Nasiyathummah, President- Eastern Province United Women’s Organization, Kinniya
- M.S.Siththy Aarifa, Vice Secretary, Community Centre, Trincomalee
- A. Sahana Thasneem, Youth peace Advocate, Kinniya 3
- Shreen Saroor, Human Rights Activist
132 Nadhiha Abbas Lawyer Puttalam - S A.Firthous
- M. L S. Nihara
- Aneesa Firthous Human Rights Activist
Civil Society Organizations:
Eastern Social Development Foundation
Humanity Sri Lanka
Muslim Women’s Development Trust – Puttalam
Puttalam District Women’s Self-employment and Coexistence Forum
Stand Up Movement
Human Elevation Organization Ampara
Sisterhood Initiative
Mannar Women’s Development Federation
Suriya Women’s Development Centre
Vallamai Movement for Social Change Jaffna
Nisha Development Centre Mullitheevu
Aalumai Women’s Team Mullitheevu
Sangami Wome’s Network Batticaloa
Affected Women’s Forum Ampara
Centre for Human Rights and Development
Islamic Women’s Association for Research and Empowerment
Rural Development Foundation
Women’s Action Network
