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First woman appeal judge concerned about gays, lesbians
LAcNet Special Correspondent in Colombo,
23:00 SLT, Monday February 17, 2003.
Sri Lanka’s first woman president of the Court of
Appeal expressed concern about gays and lesbians
during a valentine day ceremony to grace her.
The call came amid pressure to the government from
local gay and lesbian organisations to repeal some
19th century laws, which criminalise homosexuality.
Justice Shirani Thilakawardana emphasising the need
for a judge to learn ‘social context education’ said
that would facilitate to identify the groups who have
been historically subject to systematic discrimination
including the gays and lesbians. Such other groups
include the poor, disabled, women, children and
minorities.
“Such education is desirable to keep judges current
and confident in a changing world…and also helps to
preserve the legitimacy of the justice system through
‘best practices’,” Mrs. Thilakawardana told the
gathering where the Attorney General, President of the
Sri Lanka Bar Association and many Presidents’ Counsel
were present.
The justice also said that she would be setting up an
advisory committee of judges and lawyers to facilitate
a user friendly and disciplined registry at the Court
of Appeal, the second highest court in the country.
She also said that she had already discussed with
Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva to get assistance from
the retired judges to clear the backlog of cases in
the Court of Appeal.
Mrs. Thilakawardana is a mother of two.
Published: Mon Feb 17 12:08:42 EST 2003
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