LAC honours personalities with white ribbons

by Sarath MALALASEKERA

White Ribbon Campaign conducted by the Legal Aid Commission (LAC) to highlight prevention of violence against women was held recently in Colombo.

The United Nations by Resolution No. 54/234 in 1999 had declared November 25 as the Day for Elimination of Violence against Women. In Sri Lanka, for the past few years, Legal Aid Commission of Sri Lanka launched White Ribbon Program from November 25 to December 10, 2007. White Ribbons were affixed on personalities well-known for their humanitarian work and human rights protection.

This year's campaign commenced with the pinning of the first White Ribbon on Chief Justice Asoka de Silva and continued for 16 days with the participation of different personalities.

The 41 Centres of the Legal Aid Commission (LAC) countrywide supported this campaign by conducting awareness programs.

The Legal Aid Commission also conducted an islandwide art competition for schoolchildren under the theme "Domestic Violence."