6 August 2022 06:02 am Views - 1915
In an interview with Daily Mirror Online, Lankadeepa Online and Tamil Mirror Online, Dr. Harini requested political parties to be more inclusive and condemned discrimination towards the LGBT+ community. The MP further explained that such discrimination stems from a lack of awareness and ignorance by certain members and groups of the general public. The National People's Power was the first political party in Sri Lankan history to expressly include the protection of LGBT+ rights in their election manifesto. Dr. Amarasuriya reflected her party and personal position when saying it was time for change.
In 2020, media widely exposed how LGBT+ people were being subject to forced anal and vaginal examinations. Dr. Harini described such brutal acts by the police and JMOs towards the LGBT+ community as against the norms of a civilized society and police force. She further added, “if Sri Lanka is to become a progressive society, we need to end such violence and discrimination in all forms.” Speaking as a feminist, the parliamentarian said she was aware of society's patriarchal nature and interacting with members of the LGBT+ community has led her to become more sensitive towards their suffering.
In a more light hearted tone, Dr. Amarasuriya described how she had several LGBT+ friends who were more like family to her and expressed how much she valued their friendship. Dr. Amarasuriya urged members of the LGBT+ community to seek help and support from organizations and networks if they have suffered discrimination. She further urged the general public to be more open in their support to the community, to advocate for their rights and better understand the experiences of an LGBT+ individual.
The National People’s Power representative is part of a new campaign by Wijeya Newspapers Limited in collaboration with iPro Bono called ‘Better Together’. The campaign is bringing together leaders in sport, business, politics and culture to highlight discrimination being faced by the LGBT+ community and demanding changes to laws that perpetuate violence and discrimination against the community. Watch the full episodes on YouTube, Facebook or IGTV – Daily Mirror Online, Lankadeepa Online and Tamil Mirror Online. #BetterTogether