By Roy Denish
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – The Equal Rights Movement has strongly condemned remarks attributed to Minister K. D. Lal Kantha concerning the physical appearance and bodily features of female hospital employees, describing such comments as degrading, sexually inappropriate and harmful to women’s dignity.
The movement emphasised that sexually suggestive remarks made in public about women’s bodies, physical characteristics and outward appearance should not be dismissed as merely offensive or uncomfortable statements. Instead, it argued, such language can reinforce patriarchal attitudes and perpetuate gender-based discrimination.
Speaking to the Tamil-language newspaper Virakesari on Sunday (1 November), Equal Rights Movement activist Veerasingham elaborated on the broader social implications of the minister’s reported remarks.
According to Veerasingham, Lal Kantha’s previous public comments concerning the physical characteristics, body parts and appearance of female hospital employees had attracted widespread criticism.
He argued that statements portraying women’s bodies from a sexual perspective undermine their self-respect, diminish their professional identities and contribute to an environment of sexual discomfort and intimidation.
The activist further explained that such comments should not be interpreted merely as expressions of sexual attraction. From social, psychological, linguistic and gender-based perspectives, he argued, verbal sexual harassment can function as a mechanism for maintaining male dominance and reinforcing existing power structures.
Assertions of Male Dominance
Veerasingham identified the public assertion of male authority as one of the underlying concerns associated with such remarks.
Historically, he argued, public spaces have often been treated as predominantly male domains, while women have been expected to remain within private or domestic environments.
Against this historical background, publicly commenting on women’s bodies can become a means of asserting control over their freedom, mobility and participation in professional and public life.
Objectification and the Denial of Individual Dignity
The activist also highlighted the objectification of women, whereby individuals are judged primarily by their physical appearance or perceived sexual characteristics rather than their abilities, personalities and professional contributions.
He maintained that the assumption that men possess an inherent right to evaluate women’s bodies, clothing or physical features reflects attitudes that disregard women’s personal autonomy and dignity.
The movement argued that remarks of this nature are particularly concerning when made by public officials, whose statements can influence social attitudes and public behaviour.
Veerasingham further pointed to physical strength and unequal power relationships between men and women as factors that can contribute to gender-based intimidation and harassment.
The Equal Rights Movement’s criticism underscores continuing concerns over gender equality, professional dignity and the responsibilities of political leaders when addressing women in public.
Sources
- Virakesari — Reported interview with Equal Rights Movement activist Veerasingham, 1 November 2026. Original article link requires confirmation.
- Equal Rights Movement coverage — Tamil Guardian — Background on the movement and activist Veerasingham.
