The Ministry of Women and Child affairs was established by the Special Gazette No. 2412/08 of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and dated 25.11.2024.
The main function and tasks of the Ministry are as follows.
1. Formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies, strategies, programmes and projects, in relation to the subjects of Women and Child Affairs and those subjects that come under the purview of Departments, Statutory Institutions and Public Corporations listed in Column II based on the national policies implemented by the government.
2. Provision of public services under the purview of the Ministry in an efficient and people friendly manner.
3. Reforming all systems and procedures using modern management techniques and technology, thus ensuring that the functions of the Ministry are fulfilled while eliminating corruption and waste.
4. Implementation of Women’s Charter
5. Formulation and implementation of strategies to enhance women’s participation and representation in decision making in state affairs and the political field
6. Adoption of necessary measures for the empowerment of women affected by conflicts and poverty
7. Strengthening and implementation of laws and policies for the prevention of women and child abuse
8. Amending existing laws and formulating and implementing new laws and policies to prevent discrimination against women on the basis of sex and gender
9. Formulation and implementation of policies and programmes for the empowerment of women headed households
10. Accomplishment of Sustainable Development Goals in relation to women and child affairs
11. Introducing gradual legal and policy reforms to bring minimum 50% of women’s representation in political structures
12. Combatting period poverty by providing necessary tax reliefs, financial and other support.
13. Reducing the burden of unpaid care work on women
14. Formulation of policies and programmes on early childhood protection and development aimed at bringing up physically and mentally healthy children
15. Development and implementation of programmes and projects in line with international standards to protect the rights of vulnerable children
16. Implementation of the Children’s Charter
17. Regulating Child Care Centres
18. Implementation of the Sevana Sarana Foster-Parent Scheme
19. Providing financial assistance for developing the skills of exceptionally talented children
20. Revising discriminatory laws that oppress women and children.