• Says need to amend the penal code to prevent harassment

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

MP Premnath Dolawatte yesterday said he does not seek legalising gay marriages in Sri Lanka through his private members motion.

“Many are talking about the private members motion which I have submitted to Parliament. Some say I am seeking legalisation of gay marriages. This is wrong as I am only seeking to amend the penal code just to prevent harassment which some people including the LGBTQ community have to undergo and to prevent violation of privacy,” the MP told Parliament.

“Sri Lanka should follow the world, which has got rid of laws that had been imposed during the Victorian period. Even countries such as India and UK have changed these laws and Sri Lanka also must follow through,” he added.