Every society protects their young. It is a habitual and instinctive practice, which has been ingrained in our mind through millennia of evolution. However, throughout history, predators who walk amongst us have used positions of power and authority to mask their actions, preying on our children and often getting away with it due to cultural beliefs of ‘shame’, the stigma linked to such abuse and the weakness of law and inequality of power. 

The situation in Sri Lanka mirrors that of many countries in South Asia and Africa, where institutions often place their ‘reputation’ over protection of victims of child abuse. Historically, some schools of repute and religious institutions have acted to ‘cover-up’ such ‘unpleasant’ tragedies in order to protect their ‘names’ and ‘legacies’. A history of such practices have made it difficult for victims of child abuse to speak up and seek justice, forcing some to suffer in silence, and tragically at times, take their own life when they see no relief in sight. Needless to say, the history of ragging and abuse in the Sri Lankan higher education system is adequate to disclose how the ‘system’ protects itself when faced with such allegations.

Yesterday (8) parents, students and concerned citizens protested in front of a leading girls’ college in Bambalapitiya (Colombo 4) in connection with the death by suicide of a schoolgirl at the college who was a resident of Kotahena, who had died after falling from a building. It is suspected that the child, took her life following an alleged sexual assault by a teacher at the college. The protestors also alleged that a teacher at the said school had sexually assaulted the student which had in turn prompted the girl to commit suicide. Protests were held in three locations by students and parents seeking a fair investigation and calling for the college and the perpetrator to be held accountable for the abuse the girl had suffered. The victim’s parents fronted the media, with the child’s mother describing the suffering her daughter underwent and how she was alienated by friends and fellow schoolmates. “This teacher abused my daughter, she suffered so much mentally, and the society was cruel to her, and that’s what killed her,” the victim’s mother bemoaned.  

Meanwhile, the Government has called for an explanation from the relevant school principal over the death of the Grade 10 student, and regarding the alleged sexual assault by a teacher. This was communicated by a statement from the Ministry of Education. The ministry said that the teacher in question has been transferred while disciplinary action will be taken based on investigations conducted by the Police. Allegations were levelled against the teachers’ political affiliations and also heated up the Parliament yesterday.

According to statistics from the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) for the first six months of 2024, there were 4,380 child abuse and other child-related complaints that were reported to them. Out of this figure, 1,332 cases involved children that required care and protection and during this period, this was known to be one category that recorded the greatest number of complaints that came in from around the country – 1,016 cases of cruelty. Other categories that received the greatest number of calls included 787 cases involving compulsory education, 290 cases of sexual harassment, 157 cases of grave sexual abuse, 121 cases related to begging, and 119 cases related to grievous hurt. Gender-based violence and abuse of children is a national issue which warrants a whole Government response. 

The broader Sri Lankan community also has an important role to play in protecting our children. There is a need for awareness building and a change in thinking on preventing and responding to such crimes.

Also, to effectively prevent sexual abuse and exploitation, proactive measures are crucial at both the individual and community levels. Staying informed about incidents in one’s locality empowers action and helps in spreading awareness. Prevention also relies heavily on the role of parents and educators in fostering open communication and education. Parents should build trusting relationships with their children, encouraging them to share concerns without fear. Therefore, when someone in the teaching profession becomes a predator, it becomes a serious concern. The Government, the Ministry of Education and educators need to receive a vetting system for teachers and academics, to ensure that those with a history of offending or with a tendency to abuse children do not enter, or remain in the education system. Our schools and universities must be a safe space for children to grow and learn.