National People’s Power (NPP) Opposition Parliamentarian Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that their Party will support the private member Bill tabled by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Government MP Premnath C. Dolawatte to decriminalise same-sex relationships under the Penal Code. 

“We have been advocating for this community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning) for a while. They are also a part of this society. Gender identities are diverse, including those of the same-sex community. From the beginning, we have been of the stance that individuals should not be discriminated against, based on their gender. 

“Specifically, these same-sex relationships have been criminalised in our Penal Code. This is not a law which originated in our country; it was introduced during the Victorian era by the British. Therefore, we believe that it should be amended. Our Party believes that decisions regarding the relationships of two adults should be made by the individuals involved, not dictated by the law. However, a law should remain in place to protect children and minimise potential harm. Only sexual relationships with animals are a crime. So, the NPP will back this during its third reading,” she assured.