Child abuse victims in Sri Lanka face long delays in receiving justice, as Sajith Premadasa calls for urgent action on 46,000 complaints.
Around 46,000 child abuse victims and victims of child exploitation in Sri Lanka are still waiting for the legal process to deliver justice, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has said.
Premadasa said observers had repeatedly raised concerns that many children who suffered abuse, violence and injustice had not received justice during their childhood.
He questioned why authorities continue to delay action on the 46,000 cases. He also called on the government to act swiftly and ensure justice for children subjected to abuse, violence and harassment.
The Opposition Leader said authorities must hear the complaints without further delay and take appropriate action.
Premadasa made the remarks today during a discussion at the Office of the Opposition Leader. The meeting focused on current issues surrounding child protection in Sri Lanka.
He said the government had spoken extensively about child rights and child protection. However, he argued that it must now turn those words into action.
Premadasa said the National Child Protection Policy was launched in 2019 with an assurance that authorities would implement it by 2025. However, he said the present government had now decided to implement the policy only from 2029.
He questioned how the government could justify delaying implementation until 2029 after receiving its mandate in 2024. According to Premadasa, such a delay represents a grave injustice against the country’s younger generation.
Opposition Pledges Support for Child Abuse Victims
Premadasa also said that 4,000 child-related cases are currently pending within the judicial process.
He stressed that authorities must hear these cases without delay, arguing that prolonged delays in cases involving children are unacceptable.
The Opposition Leader pledged the opposition’s support for implementing the National Child Protection Policy within this year. He also called for authorities to hear all 46,000 complaints and deliver justice.
Premadasa proposed establishing the necessary special units and introducing the required legal provisions. He also called for the creation of a special task force under the leadership of the President to address the issue.
Sajith Calls for United Action on Child Protection
The Opposition Leader further proposed that the government introduce a clear programme to protect children’s rights.
He said both he and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya would extend their full support to efforts aimed at securing justice for the 40,000 victims referred to in his remarks.
Premadasa stressed that child protection and justice for child abuse victims should not become political issues.
Instead, he called for immediate action to safeguard children’s rights and accelerate the delivery of justice. He maintained that political differences should not stand in the way of action to protect children and address the large number of complaints awaiting resolution.
