WOMEN IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM OF SRI LANKA: PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES
The Faculty of Criminal Justice of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Sri Lanka proudly orchestrated an academic event titled “Women in the Criminal Justice System of Sri Lanka: Prospects and Challenges” on March 27th, 2024, within the confines of the FDSS Auditorium, KDU. This groundbreaking endeavor was meticulously designed to illuminate the intricate roles, experiences, and obstacles confronting women within the domain of criminal justice in Sri Lanka and how women are vulnerable to crimes and their engagement in criminality in the modern context of Sri Lanka.
By welcoming the distinguished guests, Deshabandu Professor Jeeva Niriella the Dean Faculty of Criminal Justice stated that as members of the academia, it is incumbent upon them not only to analyze and critique the status quo but also to actively contribute towards its transformation by harnessing the collective expertise and dedication of faculty members, students, and stakeholders to promote gender equality, diversity, and inclusion within the criminal justice system in Sri Lanka.
The distinguished presence of Chief Guest Professor K S Dhammika, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, KDU highlighted the importance of gender inclusivity and parity within professional milieus. Further enrichment was garnered through the compelling contributions of the Special Invitee, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Sajeewa Medawatta, who pointed out the existing lacuna in crime reporting.
During her keynote address, Her Ladyship Justice Kumuduni Wickramasinghe, Judge of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka eloquently articulated the dichotomy between Sri Lanka’s historical strides in producing dynamic women in governance and the criminal justice system and the persisting challenges faced by women professionals across various echelons of the legal framework. In emphasizing the imperative for legislative reform, particularly concerning gender-specific criminal offenses, Her Ladyship underscored the critical need for robust mechanisms dedicated to victim support. Her insights resonated deeply, spotlighting the essential nexus between legislative evolution and the enhancement of support structures crucial for advancing gender equity and justice within the criminal justice domain.
Divided into two intellectually stimulating subthemes, the program epitomized a holistic exploration of pertinent issues:
Teacher-Student Research Collaboration – Research Survey Presentation:
Under the eminent guidance of Deshabandu Professor Jeeva Niriella, Dean of the Faculty of Criminal Justice and the principal investigator of this research, a transformative research endeavor unfolded. This section showcased an exemplary fusion of faculty expertise and student ingenuity. Leveraging the collective efforts of faculty members and the scholarly acumen of Intake 39 Police Officer students, a comprehensive research survey titled ‘Women Criminality and Women Victimization’ was meticulously crafted. This pioneering initiative not only bestowed students with invaluable research experience but also yielded profound insights crucial for deciphering the nuanced intricacies of women as offenders and victims within the criminal justice system.
Round-table Discussion on Gender as a Barrier in Developing a Professional Career in the Criminal Justice System of Sri Lanka:
The program culminated in a dynamic round-table discussion, graced by luminaries and authorities within the field. Facilitated by Deshabandu Professor Jeeva Niriella (Moderator of the event), the erudite panelists convened to dissect the myriad challenges obstructing women’s advancement within Sri Lanka’s criminal justice landscape. Among the illustrious panelists were Dr. Ajith Rohana, Senior Deputy Inspector General of the Department of Police Sri Lanka, Dr. Anusha Edirisinghe, Standing Committee Member, UGC Centre for Gender Equity and Equality and Senior Lecturer, Department of Criminology, Faculty of Criminal Justice, KDU, Mrs. Damithini de Silva, Senior State Counsel, Attorney General’s Department Sri Lanka and Ms. Nazrin Jhan, UNDP Representative. Their diverse reservoirs of expertise and experiential insights served as beacons, illuminating pathways towards systemic reform and the cultivation of an inclusive ecosystem within the criminal justice arena.
This intellectually stimulating academic program was further enriched by captivating entertainment activities presented by the talented students of Intake 40 and Intake 41 of the faculty. These engaging performances included a harmonious blend of song, dance, and drama, which added a vibrant dimension to the proceedings, fostering an atmosphere of cultural appreciation and camaraderie amongst attendees.
In conclusion, the program served as a seminal platform for dialogue, consciousness-raising, and advocacy, poised to catalyze transformative change within Sri Lanka’s criminal justice fabric. The Faculty of Criminal Justice, KDU stands resolute in its commitment to spearheading such initiatives, which not only augment the frontiers of knowledge but also champion the cause of societal equity and justice.
