The recommendations submitted by the MPs take astoundingly regressive positions on reforms to the MMDA. Some of the most egregious recommendations include:
1. The bride’s signature on the marriage register to have no value without a male guardian signing, denying women their autonomy.
2. Muslim women continue to be excluded from holding public office under the MMDA, which will have only male registrars. Inclusion of women Quazis (judges) has not been specified.
3. Maintain the Quazi system without any changes, including criteria and process for appointing Quazis.
4. Exceptions to minimum age of marriage to allow under 18 year-olds to marry.
5. Rejection of equal divorce procedures and retaining the current highly discriminatory divorce system and procedures.
6. Rejection of new provisions (introduced in the draft Bill) for sharing of matrimonial property and securing the best interests of children.
7. Maintaining the discrimination between different sects and madhabs (schools of jurisprudence) of Muslims in Sri Lanka.
