Broad support emerges for Faiszer’s sweeping proposals on long-delayed divorce and personal law reforms

Clear break with hide-bound traditions

- By IrnaM NIZAM

Opposition Parliamentarian and President’s Counsel Faiszer Musthapha has proposed a series of wide-ranging legal reforms to Sri Lanka’s divorce, marriage and personal law systems, drawing broad agreement from legal experts, civil society groups and women’s rights advocates who describe the proposals as timely, humane and aligned with contemporary social realities.

Among the key reforms suggested are the introduction of No-Fault Divorce, raising the minimum legal age of marriage to 18, and expanding women’s rights under Muslim and Thesawalamai law.

Sri Lanka’s current divorce framework is largely fault-based, requiring spouses seeking divorce to prove a recognised matrimonial offence. Legal professionals argue that this system is outdated, adversarial and often forces parties to make exaggerated or false allegations, while placing unnecessary strain on the court system.

Musthapha’s proposal would allow divorce on the basis of irretrievable breakdown of marriage, without attributing blame to either party.

Legal analysts say this approach better reflects modern social realities and offers a more dignified and efficient resolution to marital breakdowns.