WCIC calls for support and justice following attack on female doctor

The Women's Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC), has issued a strong condemnation of the recent sexual assault on a female doctor at Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital.

Following is the statement in full:

The Women's Chamber of Industry and Commerce, as the National Chamber for Women in Business, strongly condemns the blatant violation of a medical professional in Sri Lanka. We stand firm in the belief that her privacy must be safeguarded and that she and her family should receive unwavering support during this traumatic time. 

We reiterate that all women have the right to work in safety, free from violence and harassment. We urge the medical community to amplify their voices in pursuit of justice—not only for her but for all women in Sri Lanka who have been victimized in the past and present. It is imperative that strong and decisive action is taken against perpetrators. 

This incident underscores the urgent need to strengthen our legal framework to prevent such violations. The enforcement of stricter laws, along with publicly announced actions and punishments, is crucial to deterring future offenses. Furthermore, the importance of ratifying ILO Convention 190 is more evident than ever, as it provides a vital framework to eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work. 

Violence and abuse against women, including sexual harassment, is a national crisis. Countless women suffer in silence due to the lack of justice and a comprehensive legal framework. This is not just a women’s issue—it is a societal and national concern that demands immediate attention and action.