Addressing deep-rooted issue of sexual violence

The recent horrifying case of sexual violence at the Anuradhapura Hospital has once again thrust Sri Lanka’s troubling relationship with women’s safety into the spotlight. A doctor, raped within the supposed sanctuary of her own workplace, epitomises the extent of vulnerability women face across this country. The very places that should be safe havens—homes, workplaces, public spaces—are instead fraught with peril for women. This assault is not an isolated incident; it is a harsh reminder of how sexual violence permeates every facet of a woman’s life in Sri Lanka.

Women in our country are frequently confronted with harassment in the workplace, on public transport, and on the streets, often silenced by a societal tendency to overlook or justify such violations. From sexual predators lurking in office spaces to public transport systems being breeding grounds for harassment, these experiences have become routine for many women. These aren’t rare exceptions; they are the grim reality for far too many. Yet, despite this widespread threat, precious little has been done to address the systemic vulnerabilities that enable such violence to persist.

The response to the Anuradhapura incident, like many others, has been equally distressing. While the crime itself is unforgivable, the subsequent reactions have raised troubling concerns. Police have been accused of torturing the alleged perpetrator, while some sections of society have called for draconian measures such as the enforcement of the death penalty. Such knee-jerk reactions, though understandable in the face of horror, are not the solution. They distract from the much larger issue at hand: the deep-rooted, pervasive societal and judicial flaws that make Sri Lanka a place where women cannot walk safely at night or wear what they wish without the constant threat of assault.

These reactions fail to address the fundamental problem—why does such violence occur so frequently, and why are women so vulnerable in every sphere of life? The issue isn’t just the brutality of these crimes, but the systemic failure to protect and respect women, both legally and socially. Sri Lanka’s judicial system has repeatedly demonstrated its inability to bring perpetrators to justice in a way that sends a strong and clear message. Cases of sexual violence, even when on rare occasions when prosecutions take place, they take years to complete, revictimising the victims and denying them the ability to move on with life. 

What is needed is not reactionary measures born of anger, but a fundamental shift in how we perceive and address sexual violence. The judiciary must demonstrate a commitment to swift and just action to ensure that perpetrators are not only caught but are punished in a manner that serves as both a deterrent and a step towards justice for all survivors of sexual violence. Forced confessions obtained under torture by the police, as accused in the recent case, does not serve justice and further erodes the trust in the judicial system. 

The time has come for Sri Lanka to stop tolerating a society where women are constantly at risk. The Government, law enforcement, and all citizens must work together to create a safer environment where sexual violence is not just condemned but actively eradicated. Only when these changes are made can we say we’ve taken a genuine step towards a society where women are no longer seen as easy targets but as individuals with the right to live without fear.