Commentary On The Provisions Of The Prevention Of Domestic Violence act, No.34 of 2005, Sri Lanka

Taking into account the issue of domestic violence in Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Child Development and Women’s Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, and women’s organizations worked together to enable legislation to address domestic violence. The main purpose of the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act is to provide legal remedies to victims who suffer violence in their homes.  The Act provides a civil remedy where victims can obtain a Court Order to be protected from abuse and violence at home.  The Ministry of Child Development and Women’s Affairs has developed a Plan of Action Supporting the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act. However, more work has to be done to create awareness and sensitization on the Act among law enforcement officers.

There are numerous instances where women have complained about the inability or difficulty that they face when making a Police entry on domestic violence, as domestic violence is considered as a private matter that needs to be resolved within the family. In this context, it was of paramount importance to prepare a manual to educate the law enforcement officers.

This manual is written by Ms. Dhara Wijayatilaka; Secretary to the Ministry of Research and Technology on “Commentary on the Provisions of the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act No 35 of 2005”. It is a user-friendly manual to provide knowledge and resources to the law enforcement sector.   This manual will be an exceptional guide to Judges and Police Officers to implement the provisions of the Act in an effective manner. Ms. Wijayatilaka has touched on all aspects of the law in detail and in a reader-friendly manner so as to enable even a layman to understand the implications of the Act and follow its provisions accordingly.

Download Domestic Violence Act