The Sri Lankan government is preparing to introduce laws permitting the termination of pregnancy in cases where specialist doctors have determined that the fetus has been seriously harmed. This legislation is expected to be implemented within the next four and a half years, according to Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara.
The Minister made this statement in response to a question posed by Member of Parliament Ajith P. Perera during a parliamentary session.
Minister Nanayakkara stated:
“Thank you for your support for this bill. This matter is included in our policy statement, and we have clarified that it is not merely a gimmick or something we do not intend to implement. However, when it comes to certain actions, ministers cannot accomplish everything on their own.
Our government has four and a half years left, but we will not need the entire period to get this done. Certain steps must be taken to move forward, and we are progressing with those steps. It does not mean we are neglecting the issue. We are working on this successfully and efficiently.
We are currently examining this issue alongside approximately sixty other ordinances. Suitable methods need to be prepared, and this has been submitted to the Law Commission. That is all that could be done within these four and a half months. Since there is still time, if we do not fulfill this task within the remaining period, feel free to criticize us. Our focus should be on the method and the way we implement this legislation.”
