Feminist Collective Warns of Growing Debt Trap for Women
- CNL Reporter
- October 22, 2025
- News
- microfinance
- 0 Comments
The Feminist Collective for Economic Justice (FCEJ) has sounded alarm over Sri Lanka’s worsening household debt crisis, accusing the government of failing to regulate predatory microfinance lenders.
In a statement issued on 17 October, the FCEJ said the proposed Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill lacks public consultation and could entrench exploitative lending practices. The group said austerity policies, low incomes, and poor state support are forcing women into high-interest debt, leading to hunger, loss of assets, domestic violence, and suicides.
It also criticised the government for reintroducing policies of previous administrations and ignoring the lived experiences of microfinance victims. The FCEJ urged a state-led debt relief programme, national data collection, and tighter regulation, including interest rate caps and consumer protection laws.
“The government must act decisively to stop this silent economic emergency,” the statement warned.
