We, the undersigned note with extreme concern, the proceedings related to the impeachment hearing of the first woman Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Banadaranayake by the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC). Any hearing, regardless of the person, must adhere to principles of natural justice and rule of law. In the case of the Chief Justice all those norms and practices have been violated.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
On 6th December 2012, when she appeared before the PSC, its members have used abusive and derogatory language tantamount to sexual harassment. It is reported that at various stages of the proceedings of the PSC two members have hurled abuse at the CJ. The harassment experienced by her was so traumatic that she was made to walk out of the proceedings.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, responsible Ministers of the government and the state media have continued to engage in character assassination of the Chief Justice, since the commencement of the impeachment process. The sad fact is that she is the target of this type of slander, only because she is a woman.<\/p>\n
Indeed, the Chief Justice is not the only victim of such degenerative sexism. Electronic and print media have continued to report vulgar and sexist statements being made against women parliamentarians, women Ministers and women activists. One example is where the Hon Kumara Welgama made sexist comments on Hon Rosie Senanayake. Hon Mervyn Silva continues to use vulgar language regarding the Chief Justice in his public pronouncements. Women who hold public positions have been called vagrants, mad women and allegations are made on their sexual conduct. This reflects institutional sexism in the political system.<\/p>\n
Such appalling behaviour of politicians contributes an environment of spiraling violence against women and girls in our society.<\/p>\n
We wish to remind the Sri Lankan government of its international obligations under CEDAW(Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women) ratified by the government in 1981.
\nWe vehemently condemn the use of vulgar, sexist and derogatory expressions by politicians and state media against the Chief Justice Dr Shirani Banadaranaike especially during the conduct of proceedings and also at other fora outside of the proceedings.<\/p>\n
Sgd:<\/strong><\/p>\n Ms Shanthini Sachithanadam – Viluthu Organisation Individual Activists:<\/strong><\/p>\n Ms Janakie Senevirathne
\nMs Visaka Tillekerathna – Justice for Victims.
\nDr Nimalka Fernando \u2013 Women\u2019s Political Academy (Sri Lanka)
\nDr Sepalika Kottegoda \u2013 Women and Media Collective
\nMs Selvi Sachithanandam – Poornam Foundation
\nMs Padmini Weerasooriya \u2013 Mothers and Daughters of Lanka
\nMs Saroja Sivachandran – Centre for Women and Development
\nMs Sherine Xavier – Home for Human Rights
\nMs Sriya Ahangama – Women\u2019s Centre
\nMs Samanmalie – Dabindu Collective
\nMs Visaka Dharmadasa \u2013 Women Affected by War
\nMs Sunila Abeysekera \u2013 INFORM
\nDr Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu \u2013 Centre for Policy Alternative<\/em><\/p>\n
\nMs Anberiya Hanifa
\nMs Chulani Kodikara
\nSr Helen Fernando
\nSr Angela Fernando
\nMs Leela Issac
\nMs Priyadarshini Ariyaratne
\nMs Madhu Dissanaike
\nMs Anoma Rajakaruna
\nMs Chandini Rajaratnam
\nMr C.J Weliamuna
\nMs Ranee Rathnayake
\nMs Dorren Fernando
\nMr Hans Billimoira
\nMs Chandini Rajaratnam
\nMs Sonali Gunasekera
\nMr Ranjith Cabral
\nMs. Seetha Ranjani
\nMr Mahim Mendis<\/em><\/p>\n