As of today, 46,000 child abuse and child exploitation victims in Sri Lanka are waiting for the law to take its course and for justice to be served, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said. He noted that many observers have pointed out that children who have suffered abuse, violence and injustice have not received justice during their childhood. Therefore, he questioned why action to deliver justice to these 46,000 victims continues to be delayed, and stressed that the government must act swiftly to ensure proper justice for children who have been subjected to abuse, violence and harassment without delaying the hearing of these complaints.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa made these remarks today during a discussion held at the Office of the Opposition Leader on the current issues relating to child protection.
He further stated that since the government has spoken extensively about child rights and child protection, it must now translate those words into action. Although the National Child Protection Policy was launched in 2019 with the assurance that it would be implemented by 2025, the present government has now decided to implement it only from 2029. He questioned how the government could justify postponing until 2029 the implementation of the mandate it received in 2024 to protect the country’s children, adding that this amounts to a grave injustice against the younger generation.
We will support any measure taken to protect children
The Opposition Leader further said that there are currently 4,000 child-related cases pending within the judicial process and that these cases must be heard without delay, as such delays are unacceptable. He pledged the opposition’s support for implementing the National Child Protection Policy within this year and called for all 46,000 complaints to be heard and justice delivered. He also said that the necessary special units, legal provisions and a special task force should be established under the leadership of the President for this purpose.
We too stand unconditionally with the 40,000 victims
The Opposition Leader further stated that he proposes that the government adopt a clear programme to safeguard children’s rights, and that both he and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya will extend their full support to ensure justice for the 40,000 victims. He added that this should not be turned into a political issue and that immediate action must be taken to protect the rights of children.
