Mahela and Sanga named as EU envoys for women's rights

The European Union (EU)  named Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene as envoy's of women's rights with a special focus on ending Violence Against Women (VAW). 

Mahela and Kumar have joined the EU Delegation to promote an end to VAW in Sri Lanka through the 'Let's Hit Violence Against Women for Six' campaign which will launch on  November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

A statement from the EU  said : 

'The Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives is proud to partner with Sri Lankan cricketing legends MahelaJayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara to raise awareness of violence against women.

"Violence Against Women is a very serious and deep-rooted problem in Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, studies have indicated that perhaps half of women in Sri Lanka have experienced some form of violence."

"But speaking out in public about the problem has been taboo. The decision of Mahela and Kumar to make a stand on the issue will help make it acceptable to talk about these issues in public as a way of raising awareness about and, ultimately, eliminating Violence Against Women."