Rising Violence Against Women in North and East – Vasuki Raises Alarm

A concerning increase in violence against women in Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern provinces has prompted urgent calls for collective action, according to Vasuki Sudhakaran, the Northern and Eastern Director of the Eelam Tamil Women and Children’s Development Organization.

Speaking at a media briefing held yesterday at the Jaffna Press Club, she stated that the growing number of murders and abuses targeting women appear to be linked to underlying systemic factors.

She highlighted that violence against women has reached an alarming level, particularly in the Eastern Province, where incidents include killings, abductions, and cases where victims are disposed of in wells following robbery.

In the Northern Province, she noted disturbing social breakdowns, citing incidents where even family relationships are being affected, with extreme acts of violence occurring within households.

According to Sudhakaran, drug abuse is a major contributing factor to this situation. She alleged that narcotics are being deliberately introduced into these regions, leading to the destruction of youth and communities.

She further warned that the spread of drugs among school students has now reached a critical stage, affecting both male and female students. She emphasized that negligence, particularly from parents who fail to monitor their children’s activities, has become a significant issue.

Vasuki stressed the importance of united efforts to combat drug abuse and ensure the safety of women. She also called on legal professionals to take the matter seriously and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

Additionally, she pointed out that long-standing issues faced by the Tamil community—such as unresolved cases of missing persons, the white flag incident, and accountability for alleged genocide—remain unaddressed. She expressed disappointment that the current government has failed to deliver solutions, stating that it appears no different from previous administrations, leaving the public disillusioned.

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