Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar has publicly defended Stephanie Siriwardhana following her recent appointment to the six-member Prison Observation Committee, emphasizing the need for women to speak out more forcefully against online bullying.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Balthazaar stated, “What Stephanie is facing is not isolated. Like many women in the public sphere, she continues to be harassed online part of a wider culture of misogyny that we urgently need to confront in Sri Lanka. We’re going to have to be louder and clearer.

No amount of bullying or shaming will derail the work of a woman who knows her purpose.”

Balthazaar praised Stephanie’s dedication, noting her years of work with inmates and her efforts in prison reform, asserting that she is well-qualified and deserving of her role.

“Much of her work has been done quietly, without praise or spotlight, and she has consistently used her platforms for good,” the Mayor added, calling for greater solidarity and louder voices in defending women against online harassment.