After taking a step forward for gender equality, the Sri Lankan government finally reversed its decision. Sri Lanka’s president on Sunday re-imposed a law banning women from buying alcohol,days after it was abolished.
“From tomorrow [Monday 15 January], the minister’s decision will be abolished,” the presidency said in a statement. No further information was provided to justify this turnaround.
Women allowed to work in bars?
The National Movement to Protect Consumer Rights has accused the Minister of Finance of encouraging alcohol consumption. The President had considered that the restrictions on registered spirits manufacturers only encouraged the black market and deprived the state of valuable revenue.
“The idea is to restore gender neutrality,” Finance Ministry spokesman Ali Hassen said at the time of the law’s repeal. This decision was part of a broader framework to combat sexism. Women were also allowed to work in establishments where alcohol is made or sold, especially in bars. But the statement did not specify whether the measure had also been abolished.
