Cabinet approval for criminalizing all forms of sexual harassment

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the revision of the Penal Code to strengthen legal provisions to prohibit sexual harassment and sexual assault.

On 12 December 2022, the Cabinet of Ministers had approved the introduction of amendments to the Penal Code criminalizing all forms of sexual harassment and sexual abuse, including sexual harassment and sexual assault in public places. 

The clearance of the Attorney General has been received for the draft Bill prepared by the Legal Draftsman, the Department of Government Information said.

Accordingly, the proposal made by the Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe to publish the said draft Bill in the Government Gazette and present the same thereafter in Parliament for approval, has been approved by the Cabinet.