News
Bulk of sex workers shut out from Samurdhi for refusal of sexual favours
Seventy seven percent of Sri Lankan sex workers have never applied for the government Samurdhi benefit, primarily due to a combination of lack of necessary documentation and social discrimination against them, a report ‘Status of Sex Workers in Sri Lanka 20233 – 2023’ said.
This study was carried out by several groups including the Social Scientists Association (SSA).The report said that among the small number who did apply and were denied Samurdhi, 56 percent stated it was because they did not perform sexual favours. This practice of sexual bribery is normalised by different state officials, including Police to Samurdhi officers, the report has said.
“25 percent were denied Samurdhi as they did not have access to a permanent address while 15 percent said they did not have other requisite documentation. Three percent were denied it as they did not have a marriage certificate either because they chose not to get married or had not registered their marriage,” the report said.
It said that 66 percent of the workers who have visited the government Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
clinics reported that they faced some form of verbal abuse. 66 percent reported that such verbal abuse included comments of their ‘character’, i.e. implying that they are immoral, sinful and ‘bad’ women.
“35 percent received suggestions from STI clinic staff that they engage in alternative professions based on the assumption that this profession is inherently bad and/or sinful. 83 percent of the workers said that they have never received contraceptives from the public health midwife and 76 percent of the workers said that a public health midwife has never visited their home. While 80% of the female workers had visited the government STI clinic, only 35 percent of cis-gendered women workers have visited the ‘Suwa Nari – Women’s wellness clinic’ at the government hospital that focuses on overall wellbeing. 91 percent said that they always use condoms, and of the small number who said they have not worn condoms at work, 70 percent said it was because clients refused to wear a condom,” the report read.
The study also found that out of 88 percent who attended school 18 percent have completed their Ordinary Level and only 6 percent have completed Advanced Level. 14 percent have dropped out of school in the 5th grade or below.
The study also found that 60 percent of the workers are sole earning members of their family and 73 percent are the highest earning or primary earning member of their family. 69 percent of workers showed that they have three or more dependents in the family. 72 percent said sex work is a job that they do which feeds their family when they were asked how they feel about their job.
“It is in this context that 45 percent of workers said their work is never safe while 23 percent say it is mostly unsafe. 66 percent stated that clients are responsible for them feeling unsafe, followed by 20 percent each citing hotel owners and law enforcement as responsible for them feeling unsafe,” the report said. 283 sex workers took part in the survey.
Latest News
Sun directly overhead Thunukkai, Olumadu, Oddusudan, Kumulamunei, Chemmalei at about 12:11 noon. today [13]
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during 05th to 14th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (13th) are Thunukkai, Olumadu, Oddusudan, Kumulamunei, Chemmalei at about 12:11 noon.
The Ceylon Electricity Board has appealed to all rooftop solar owners across the country to voluntarily switch off their solar systems during day time hours (until 3pm each day) from April 13th to 21st to prevent partial power outages or nationwide blackouts which may occur.
The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the people of Sri Lanka should no longer be burdened by conflict and the Government remains committed to ensuring peace and stability across the country, with the government and the public service must discharge their duties to meet the needs of the people.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing public gatherings held in Velanai, Nallur, and Vadamarachchi.
The Prime Minister said that:
“There are numerous issues regarding infrastructure development in the Northern Province ranging from roads, drinking water supply, agriculture, and unemployment, to education and health sectors.
Many of these development tasks fall under the responsibility of local governments and provincial councils that represents your areas. However, these responsibilities have not been properly discharged.
While it is said that the issues raised in the North and East were caused by the war, 16 years have passed since the end of the war. What real change has taken place? Have the lives of the people in these areas has improved?
Although the central government allocates funds to provincial governing bodies, there should be a transparent mechanism in place to ensure that these funds are properly utilized for the relevant projects.
On May 6th, you will hold the decisive right to elect the local government closest to you that will work to uplift your lives and develop your communities. Elect representatives who are committed to serving the people, and free of fraud and corruption.
The government is actively participating in lifting the country from its fallen state and to overcome the current economic challenges. We accept that there is a long way to go. The prices of goods are still high but the government is currently working towards a change, and the people will receive the benefits in the near future.
Measures have been taken to increase the basic salary of public servants from this year’s Budget. The public service must commit to discharging duties with dedication. This must be not only a people’s government, but also a public service that belongs to the people.
Even after the independence, this country has seen much bloodshed and conflict. The people have suffered greatly as a result. The government is determined to ensure that such a situation never arises again. Therefore, the government is committed to fostering peace within the country.”
The event was attended by Minister of Fisheries Ramalingam Chandrasekar, along with several Members of Parliament and local representatives in the North.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Sun directly overhead Thunukkai, Olumadu, Oddusudan, Kumulamunei, Chemmalei at about 12:11 noon. today [13]
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