Representatives from Sri Lanka’s LGBTIQ+ community convened a meeting with Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana to address concerns regarding a proposed Private Member Bill aimed at amending sections of the Penal Code.
The gathering, facilitated by NextGenSL, an all-party youth organization, aimed to bring attention to the Private Member Bill introduced by Member of Parliament Premnath C. Dolawatte, seeking amendments to Sections 365 and 365A of the Penal Code. During the meeting, the LGBTIQ+ representatives engaged in discussions with Speaker Abeywardana, highlighting the challenges faced by the community in Sri Lanka.
The exchange provided an opportunity for dialogue on pertinent issues affecting the LGBTIQ+ community’s rights and well-being within the country. Assistant Secretary General of Parliament, Hansa Abeyratne, also participated in the meeting, underscoring the significance of the engagement between the community representatives and parliamentary authorities.