Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply T.B. Sarath has hit back at criticism over photographs showing him holding the hands of schoolgirls, questioning why similar voices had remained silent over child abuse cases in the past.
Responding to the criticism, Sarath referred to reported cases of child abuse in Hambantota and alleged that some of those now criticising him had political links to the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).
“During the era of those writers, what actually happened? What became of those involved in child abuse in Hambantota? Just look at newspapers from those days—how many SLPP local council members were involved in abusing children?” he said.
The controversy arose after several photographs circulated on social media showing the Deputy Minister holding the hands of young schoolgirls. The images prompted criticism and renewed discussion on appropriate physical contact with children.
Among those who raised concerns were Dr. Tush Wickramanayake, Founder and Chairperson of the Stop Child Cruelty Trust, and sociologist Dr. Anushka Kahandagamage.
Kahandagamage criticised the conduct and argued that protecting children requires addressing inappropriate behaviour by adults, rather than focusing solely on children's access to social media.
The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has also commented on the photographs.
NCPA Law Enforcement Director Attorney-at-Law Sajeevani Abeykoon, speaking to BBC Sinhala, said the physical contact shown in the images appeared inappropriate.
“As a society and as the Child Protection Authority, we reject such inappropriate contact. What is visible in those pictures is indeed inappropriate contact,” she said.
However, Abeykoon explained that legal action under the existing framework would require a statement from the child involved.
She said a victim would need to report experiencing discomfort, embarrassment or fear as a result of the physical contact for it to be legally established as inappropriate contact under the relevant provisions.
The NCPA is currently conducting an inquiry to identify the children seen in the photographs and determine whether they are willing to provide statements.
The controversy comes amid growing public attention on child protection and the need for adults, particularly public figures, to maintain appropriate boundaries when interacting with children.
