Anti-discrimination law at national level?

Subsection 12.(1) of the Sri Lankan constitution guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the law to all citizens. Subsection 12.(2) further states that "no citizen shall be discriminated against on the grounds of race, religion, language, caste, sex, political opinion [or] place of birth …"

In 1992, the women's ministry, in collaboration with women representatives from a number of NGOs, held a three-day seminar culminating in a document known as the Women's Charter, which was submitted to cabinet for approval. The Women's Charter purports to be broader and more detailed than the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and seeks to ensure justice, equity and gender equality in all spheres of life, including equal access to land and appropriate technology. The charter also aims to eliminate "all forms of exploitation, trafficking in and prostitution of women and children," acknowledges the work of NGOs and other community-based organizations in helping women who are victims of violence, and demands that the government support such organizations in their work ^[1]