Proposals aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka's legal protections against domestic violence have been discussed by the Women Parliamentarians' Caucus in Parliament.
The discussions concern possible reforms to the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, No.34 of 2005.
According to the parliamentary account, the proposals are intended to improve implementation of legal protections and provide more timely relief to people affected by domestic violence.
The Muslim Women's Research and Action Forum presented recommendations concerning a proposed new Bill intended to replace the existing legislation.
Among the proposals discussed was an expansion of the categories of people and officials who could initiate legal action on behalf of adults and children subjected to domestic violence.
Simplifying the process for applying for legal protection was also proposed.
Other proposals include strengthening implementation of interim protection orders and establishing more effective mechanisms to follow up protection orders.
The discussion also emphasised that responses to domestic violence should not be limited to changes in legislation and should take account of the experiences of women who have faced violence.
The Caucus agreed to continue examining measures to strengthen existing legal protections.
These discussions have not yet produced an enacted change in law.
The proposals should therefore not be described as amendments already passed by Parliament or as legal rights and procedures already in force.
Any final Bill, Cabinet approval, parliamentary passage or commencement of new provisions would constitute a later development.