A research project was commissioned by the National Committee on Women (NCW) to understand the reasons for the delays and low conviction rates in rape prosecutions in the Colombo district of Sri Lanka as a pilot study which would be the base for further research and future remedial action. WERC was selected as the implementing organization for the research on Understanding the Challenges to Obtaining an Effective Legal Responses to Rape in Sri Lanka, under the patronage of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs and commenced its research activities in December of 2018.
Study Design of the Research: A study of cases pertaining to rape victims/survivors over the age of 16 were analyzed and explored in depth and the course of the case, studied step by step till it came to a conclusion, whether it be a conviction or acquittal.
Researchers: Our thanks go to our main researchers Sandani Yapa Abeywardena and YanitraKumaraguru ably assisted by Damithri Warnakulasuriya.
The National Committee on Women (NCW) provided assistance and guidance in obtaining Case numbers of cases of rape concluded in the Colombo High court and any other High Court in the Colombo district and Colombo Magistrate’s Court and any other Magistrate’s Court in the Colombo district. The report is now launched as a pilot study.