• Delegation says, the Preamble of Marriage Ordinance Act 19 of 1908 has excluded Muslim women from the marriage laws

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena held a discussion with a Muslim women’s delegation headed by former Minister Ferial Ashraff at the Temple Trees yesterday and discussed the need to amend the marriage laws. 
The delegation, which included several Muslim lawyers, stated that the Preamble of Marriage Ordinance Act 19 of 1908 has excluded Muslim women from the marriage laws, and it is essential to amend it to ensure that Muslim women also enjoy similar rights as other communities. 

The Prime Minister agreed to the need for amending the outdated ordinance.   

The Muslim women’s delegation included Hyshyama Hamin, Hasanah Cegu Isadeen, Fathima Sabra Zahid, Fathima Amana and Sithy Ermiza Tegal. Legal advisor Jayatissa de Costa, Additional Secretary Harsha Wijewardene and Registrar General Samantha Wijayasinghe were also present on this occasion.