The Kandyan Marriage and Divorce (Amendment) Act, No. 23 of 2013 (Sri Lanka)

Abstract

The Kandyan Marriage and Divorce (Amendment) Act, No. 23 of 2013, passed by the Parliament of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, revises the legal framework governing marriages and divorces within the Kandyan community. The Act seeks to modernize provisions from earlier legislation while preserving the unique cultural practices of Kandyan law. One of its key objectives is to promote greater gender equality and fairness in marital and divorce matters, especially for Kandyan women.

Notably, the Act introduces reforms to the registration process for marriages and divorces within the Kandyan community, ensuring that all unions and dissolutions are legally recognized. It also addresses disparities in the grounds for divorce, making the process more equitable for both men and women. Additionally, the amendments focus on improving women's rights in divorce proceedings, offering better protections for women, particularly in terms of property rights and alimony.