Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) Secretary Joseph Stalin has criticised Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Paulraj over her comments on the recent suicide of a schoolgirl in Kotahena following alleged sexual abuse.

Stalin called the minister’s remarks in Parliament “conceited” and said it was inappropriate to blame the victim’s parents for not meeting her or filing petitions.

He argued that a complaint from the Judicial Medical Officer should have been sufficient and accused the school principal of attempting to cover up the incident.

Stalin added that while political interference is suspected due to the teacher’s alleged ties to the NPP, authorities have assured the union that investigations will proceed independently.