Women in Sri Lanka have called for increased participation within the political process.

The issues were raised at the women’s day celebrations held in Colombo.

Many women candidates running for local elections said that it’s difficult to put up with the escalating levels of violence faced during campaigning.

Several representatives of women’s organizations who joined in a protest march and a discussion that followed said that women have failed to be a influential voice in matters such as rising cost of living.

Nimalka Fernando of the Mothers and Daughters Movement of Lanka called on women entering in to politics to act responsibly.

“If women resort to political violence that is not something we could justify” said Nimalka Fernando.

Concerns

The Hong Kong based Asian Human Rights Commission said that although Sri Lanka has made positive gains on gender equality, and improved health and education facilities for women issues such as domestic violence and rape are still serious concerns.

