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Women MPs seek Standing Orders to curb harassment
The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus on Thursday (05) submitted a request to the Speaker seeking amendments to the Standing Orders of Parliament to prevent conduct and statements by Members of Parliament that subject women MPs to verbal harassment and insults within the Chamber.
In its submission, the Caucus noted that the Tenth Parliament has recorded the highest number of elected women representatives in Sri Lanka’s parliamentary history. However, it observed that despite symbolic initiatives such as the annual “Orange Day” campaign held as part of the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” these commitments have not been meaningfully reflected in conduct within the House.
The request, signed by Chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus and Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj, along with other members, highlighted a growing trend of verbal harassment directed at women Members of Parliament in recent times.
The Caucus stressed that such behaviour extends beyond individual grievances and poses a challenge to democratic principles, including the sovereignty of the people, the right of women MPs to freely express their views, and their right to participate fully in political life. It further warned that such conduct sets a negative precedent for women’s political participation in society at large.
Accordingly, the Caucus proposed that the behaviour and speech of parliamentarians, both male and female, that result in verbal harassment or insults targeting women MPs be regulated under the provisions relating to “Discipline in Parliament” in the Standing Orders.
The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus has requested the Speaker to introduce a new Standing Order to enable appropriate action to be taken against such conduct. Several members of the Caucus were present at the submission.
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Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 12 April 2026, valid for 13 April 2026.
Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (13th) are Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon.
The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) TAIMUR and ASLAT arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 12 Apr 26.
The visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in
compliance with naval traditions.
The duo of ships is commanded by Captain NIAMAT SAEED KHAN (PNS TAIMUR) and Captain NADIR MATEEN AFRIDI (PNS ASLAT).
Meanwhile, the ships are expected to conduct a Bilateral Naval Exercise LION STAR V with the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo seas.
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Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces.
Sun directly overhead Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
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