We are grateful that the Sub Committee proposing constitutional reforms on Fundamental Rights had considered the right to equality and freedom from discrimination in great detail. We appreciate that the recommendations Sub-Committee has put forth in this regard would ensure greater inclusivity and accord the right to equality to all of Sri Lanka’s citizens. It... Continue Reading →

This is a comprehensive study covering most aspects of the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA) currently being discussed. We encourage the reading of this study for anyone interested in getting to know the details about the issues at stake, the impact it is having on Muslim women and girls, what types of reforms to... Continue Reading →

STATEMENT on GSP plus and reforms of Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA) The Muslim Personal Law Reforms Action Group (MPLRAG) believes the recent hype created linking European Union’s Generalised System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) to changes in Sri Lanka’s Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA) to be a distraction. It has given room for... Continue Reading →

FAQ's on repealing Article 16(1) 1.What is Article 16(1) and what does it mean? Article 16(1) is a clause in the Fundamental Rights chapter of the 1978 Constitution of Sri Lanka. It says that all  written and unwritten law that existed prior to the 1978 Constitution is ‘valid and operative’. This means that these laws... Continue Reading →

Crossposted from Groundviews.  Call for reform In announcing the decisions made by the Cabinet of Ministers last Wednesday, the Government spokesperson has stated, amongst others, that the Cabinet has decided to appoint a Sub-Committee of Ministers to study and recommend reforms to the Muslim law in Sri Lanka, with a view to bringing it in... Continue Reading →

Members of the Muslim Personal Law (MPL) Reform Committee: Justice Saleem Marsoof, Ms. Dilhara Amerasinghe, Justice Abdus.W.A. Salam. Hon. Mohamed Mackie, Mr. Shibly Aziz, Mr. Faisz Musthapha, Professor Sharya Scharenguivel, Dr. M.A.M. Shukri, Ash-Sheik Mohomead Magdoom Ahmad Mubarak, Ash-Sheik M.I.M Rizwe Mufthi, Deshabandu Mrs. Jezima Ismail, Mrs. Safana Gul Begum, Mrs. Fazlet Shahabdeen, Mr Razmara Abdeen, Mr.... Continue Reading →

30/09/16 - The Friday Forum: SOME PRIORITY CONCERNS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM - Daily News 28/09/16 - Muslim women intimidated in male dominated Qadhi courts in Sri Lanka - Dr. M. Haris Z. Deen - The Island  23/09/16 - Muslim Personal Law Reforms Action Group calls: Release Marsoof report on Muslim Personal Law - Daily News 23/09/16 - Muslim Personal Law Reforms Committee must... Continue Reading →

In 2014, a 14-year old Muslim girl in the Eastern province was given in marriage and her schooling was stopped as a result. After a few months of marriage she applied for fasah divorce (initiated by wife) at the Quazi courts, due to severe sexual torture by her husband. The Quazi judge instead of dealing... Continue Reading →

It is a hopeful time for Sri Lanka as a country that is seeking justice, fairness and progress for all. It is encouraging to note that the constitutional reforms process has been broadly consultative and has engaged the public from the grassroots all the way to national level. It has given Sri Lankans the opportunity... Continue Reading →