Whoa, what a masterpiece! This is something seen as a taboo topic in Sri Lanka, and the fact that the author had the guts to write about this is absolutely amazing. The entire article was amazing. Cultural norms are good sometimes but are harmful at other times. Thank you for bringing this up. We need more people speaking up about this subject <3

Well researched essay. I agree with the sentiments. The current legal system needs to be amended, and be more just.

Well researched essay. I agree with the sentiments. The current legal system needs to be amended, and be more just.

Excellent analysis on a subject that many are reluctant to comment on. Sadisha very correctly identifies the main reasons that many in Sri Lanka even though in a very unhappy relationship do not take the steps to end that toxic relationship, and as a result they make themselves and the children unhappy. This maybe the case for men as well as women. A point worth exploring further.

Very well argued. So many women opt to stay within toxic marriages because they do not have the economic wherewithal to live independently.

Very mature and balanced article.However there are numerous organisations that help couples before divorce with counselling. Agree that laws need revision.

Very much to the point, nicely unravelling the old way of thinking in Sri Lanka. Exvellent

Yes, I am bias. But I have to say, I thought the article was written by a woman. It is very rare for men - even those who are sensible and responsible - to see how corrosive not getting a devoice can be. Impressed. It gives you hope that the upcoming generation will be more understanding of what constitutes success and failure in a marriage.

very well written. Sadisha has captured into this short piece a very complex issue while displaying much maturity of thought.

Impressive and very well written. The courage shown to express the facts as is, is commendable. The content included is very well researched as well. I got some sympathy for the current system which I think is trying to preserve marriage instead of breaking it up, however I agree for the fact that the current laws are archaic and should be changed to reflect the present reality.

Well written on a subject most would like to avoid. I assume most divorces also take place in suburban areas whilst in the villages the abuse of the spouse and children continue unabated

Well written on a subject most would like to avoid. I assume most divorces also take place in suburban areas whilst in the villages the abuse of the spouse and children continue unabated

Well written, with interesting facts and information.

Well written, with interesting facts and information.

This is the bitter truth! Well addressed! I being a forensic person see this bitter truth. Some of them finally end up in tragic death!

This is the bitter truth! Well addressed! I being a forensic person see this bitter truth. Some of them finally end up in tragic death!

This article shows the outdated judicial system of Sri Lankan family law (i.e divorce of a woman) as well societal unjust towards divorcée. Well done!

Very well written. Sadisha highlights some important points to think as adults. The harder part bared by the kids. They need both mother and father though the parents do not need each other. In Asian region, kids face a lot of embarrassing situations because of the divorce of their parents. Good start Sadisha, good luck.

Well written on a very complicated subject. Good job Sadisha.

Extremely well-conceptualized piece on a topic often viewed as taboo in Sri Lankan society. What struck me most are the perverse cultural “traditions” that trap women in abusive/loveless marriages and the restricted legal space for divorce. These are important issues for society to consider. Well argued Sadisha!

A well written piece which makes us contemplate the meaning of life as we know it. I, for one, will support any friend who chooses divorce over a lifetime of voluntary lockdown. Lets make sure our laws are framed to support us and not to persecute us.

Well researched and balanced article. The circus displayed on the stage of the Mrs Sri Lanka pageant showed how poor the understanding of the subject matter is on a national level and this article provides the key points which certain people need to be educated on. Well Done Sadisha.

Good to see someone has written on this difficult issue, well though out and written.

Well researched and well written. You are absolutely correct, "current" social norms and the legal system make divorce very difficult, even in the case that both parties agree to divorce. Both the norms and law stems from colonial era, which we have not managed to change even after a century...

You have brought up the blatant facts of social phenomena of gender ideations especially patriarchal ideology

Well done Sadisha ! You hv captured the issue very well.

You have brought up the blatant facts of social phenomena of gender ideations especially patriarchal ideology

You have brought up the blatant facts of social phenomena of gender ideations especially patriarchal ideology

You have brought up the blatant facts of social phenomena of gender ideations especially patriarchal ideology

This is not a topic widely spoken even among adults, where Sadisha a young school boy is not afraid to speak about. Analysis has done well and really an eye opening problem in the society, where laws to be amended.

Laws should exist for the purpose of protecting people’s rights and not as a way to push cultural values. In that context the law should not be used to keep people in a marriage against their will. But rather to make sure the rights of people are safeguarded within a marriage.

The statistics are shocking, however, proof that support is needed for those in compromised marriages, the legal system needs to improve and the society at large needs to be more understanding and empathetic. Thanks for sharing this wonderful write-up Sadisha.

Wow! It is so pertinent, and well articulated. It should be published, presented to parliament, submitted for law reform!

Well studied. Valid and more accurate statistics, how ever I believe the impact of a divorce has more substantial impact on personal nature than social which might result in high figures of victims which was not quantified properly on studies..

An article well written and well researched. Legal system definitely needs changes. Economic and social constraints are also major contributors.

This is a very well-researched topic and the author has brought to light an extremely important issue, together with some interesting points that I hope will be addressed by the policymakers in Sri Lanka in short order. Apart from the policies regarding the laws in Sri Lanka that relate to divorce, we are also faced with a highly innefficient Judicial System, where attorneys have no incentive to settle legal matters quickly. On the contrary, it is to the advantage of Judges and lawyers to drag these cases on. As pointed out, family matters that involve children should be resolved in a timely manner to help the children, and all concerned parties move forward with their lives and help recover from the scars of failed relationships. I must also point out, many divorces are due to irreconcilable differences of married couples, who may also be parents. In a court of law, it is very rare that they would even consider the irreconcilable differences experienced by children. However, the effects of divorce have a lasting impact on all children just as it impacts the parents, family members, and even friends and neighbors. Good job Sadisha. Keep up the good work!!!

Totally agree, very good topic needs public discussion! Laws need to be amended to suit the times.

Totally agree, very good topic needs public discussion! Laws need to be amended to suit the times.

Very true and written very well.