The newly constructed Japan-funded Emergency Waiting Area (EWA) at the Kalutara South Police Station was officially handed over to the Sri Lanka Police on Thursday (27 Mar).
The official handing over was done by Ambassador of Japan, Akio ISOMATA, and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Sri Lanka Representative, Kunle Adeniyi, marking another crucial step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s response to gender-based violence (GBV).
According to a joint statement by the UNFPA and the Government of Japan, this initiative ensures that survivors receive the protection, dignity, and support they deserve when seeking assistance from law enforcement authorities.
The establishment of the Kalutara South EWA was made possible with the funding of USD 34,000 from the People of Japan, and the construction was supported by World Vision Lanka.
Anyone in need of assistance from the Police Women and Children’s Bureau is encouraged to contact the hotline at 109.
Deputy Minister of Public Security & Parliamentary Affairs, Sunil Watagala, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka Akio ISOMATA, UNFPA Sri Lanka Representative Kunle Adeniyi, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security & Parliamentary Affairs Mr. D. W. R. B. Seneviratne, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security & Parliamentary Affairs Ms. Damayanthi Karunarathna, Senior DIG – Western Province Mr. Sanjeewa Dharmarathna, DIG – Children and Women Abuse Investigation Range Ms. Renuka Jayasundere, Senior Superintendent of Police Kalutara Division Mr. Kavinda Piyasekara, Headquarters Inspector Mr. Ruwan Wijesinghe, and police officers from the Kalutara Division were present at the opening ceremony.
The Emergency Waiting Area in Kalutara South joins a growing network of operational EWAs across Sri Lanka, including Jaffna, Mirihana, Pudukuduirippu, Nuwara Eliya, Mundalam, Batticaloa, and Kandy, where over 4000 women and children received support in the last year alone. These safe spaces serve as temporary resting areas, providing survivors of GBV with protection, psychosocial support, medical referrals, legal aid, and a survivor-centered approach to justice.
As part of this project, six more Emergency Waiting Areas will be established in the coming weeks in Dharmapuram (Kilinochchi district), Murunkan (Mannar district), Uppuveli (Trincomalee district), Opanayake (Ratnapura district), Walapane (Nuwara Eliya district), and Modara (Colombo district). These facilities reaffirm Sri Lanka’s commitment to tackling GBV and ensuring that survivors are not left without access to critical services.
Ambassador Isomata reaffirmed Japan’s continued dedication to supporting women and children in Sri Lanka and emphasized the role of safe spaces in ensuring a future free from violence. “Japan has been promoting the protection of women and children in Sri Lanka since Sri Lanka became a partner country for Japan in 2018 in promoting the Women, Peace and Security agenda. This project also includes training for police officers handling victims, especially female officers, so that victims would feel safer in seeking refuge and counseling. I hope this project will be expanded by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Public Security and Police in order to strengthen the mechanism to protect women and children in vulnerable situations. It is also essential for Sri Lanka to ensure the legal measures against the violence and support for the self-reliance of women and children who seek refuge.”
Speaking at the ceremony, UNFPA Sri Lanka Representative, Kunle Adeniyi, underscored the significance of survivor-centered approaches in addressing GBV. “For a survivor, the decision to seek help is often fraught with fear: fear of judgment, disbelief, or retaliation. When they walk into a police station, they should not only find protection but also compassion and care. A survivor’s first interaction with law enforcement can shape their entire journey toward healing and justice. If they are met with understanding, respect, and support, they are more likely to pursue the help they need.”
UNFPA Sri Lanka expresses its deep appreciation to the People of Japan, the Ministry of Public Security, the Sri Lanka Police, and World Vision Lanka for their invaluable support in making survivors feel safe and encouraged to seek assistance in times of distress. (Newswire)