"The government should announce that sexual abuse against women and children as a national problem," said Charity Sister Nichola Emmanuel, repeating demands made in a petition addressed to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena.

"Women have urged that a group of lawyers be formed to help expedite cases stalled in the attorney general's department," she said.

"It is important to also ensure secure, safety protection and dignity of women," the nun added.

Sister Emmanuel took part in nationwide demonstrations held on International Women's Day March 8, which urged the government to address a backlog of cases in the justice system.

According to police statistics, incidents of rape cases have increased by nearly 20 percent between 2012 and 2014. During this period 4,393 cases of rape were reported.

"Last month, the mother of a 7-year-old child was raped by a gang of 10 men, including a soldier in Singapitiya Gampola," said Sister Emmanuel.

"A 14-year-old girl was raped, murdered and hanged in her house again last month in Vavuniya," the nun gave as another example.

"Last year many incidents happened like this but still none of the culprits have been punished," said the nun, who runs social programs for women and children.

Anuradha Rajaratnam, a member of Women's Collective of Eastern Province, said women should pressure government officials to commit to reforms on how the country deals with sexual violence cases.

"We do not accept violence against women and children in our communities and will not not stop until we get justice," Rajaratnam said.

According to Sri Lankan law, those found guilty of grave sexual abuse can be jailed for up to 20 years.

Speaking on International Women's Day President Maithripala Sirisena said his government is committed to the protection of women and children.

(ucanews.com)