In a concerning revelation, State Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Geetha Kumarasinghe, exposed a distressing surge in cases of sexual abuse against girls under 16 in the country. Within the month of September 2023 alone, a staggering total of 168 girls fell victim to these heinous acts, with 22 of them resulting in child pregnancies.
Speaking during a press conference on October 25th, the State Minister called upon Sri Lanka's Police Department to take immediate and forceful action against these abhorrent crimes. She emphasized the urgency of administering the highest possible penalties to those found guilty, in a bid to deter potential offenders and protect the vulnerable.
Expressing grave concern, Kumarasinghe urged parents, school teachers, and principals to remain vigilant and play an active role in safeguarding children from falling victim to such attacks. She stressed that, unfortunately, in many cases, the abuser is someone within close proximity to the child, even a family member.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the State Minister disclosed plans to hold discussions with the President to address the growing concerns. She also highlighted that measures have already been initiated to introduce new Acts aimed at bolstering the protection of women and children from such horrific experiences.
The alarming surge in sexual abuse cases serves as a wake-up call for Sri Lanka, highlighting the urgent need for stronger measures to combat this appalling issue. It is hoped that the collective efforts of authorities, parents, educators, and the community at large will bring an end to these atrocities and ensure a safer environment for the nation's young and vulnerable.
