VICTORY OF TWO PETITIONS

STOP CHILD CRUELTY TRUST (SCCT)

Stop Child Cruelty Trust launched two petitions, which were hugely successful in attracting public support on protecting and promoting child rights in Sri Lanka.

End Corporal Punishment in Schools in Sri Lanka Vision 2020

  • Petition launched on:12th September 2018
  • Number of signatures:Over 5000 (on-line and physical signatures) 
Sri Lanka ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1992. Since then, there have been 6 parliamentary elections, 9 prime ministers, and 4 executive presidents. 

However, despite the many pledges made by successive governments and a plethora of proposals, the National Action Plan for the Promotion of Human Rights 2011-2016, pledging a ban on corporal punishment, circulars by the Ministry of Education in 7/2005 and 12/2016, and 12/2016, and 12/2016, corporal punishment is rampant. in schools.

 

 

 
Most significantly, the National Human Rights Action Plan 2017-2022 and the National Plan of Action for Children in Sri Lanka 2016-2020 do not address corporal punishment. Whilst there have been some improvements in the approach to this matter, the relevant authorities have failed to implement circulars and failed to take appropriate action to end corporal punishment.

Sri Lanka was issued a ‘red warning’ at the recently concluded UNCRC session in February 2018, section E paragraph 21: “deeply concerned that high numbers of children are subjected to abuse and violence, including corporal punishment, and that corporal punishment remains legal in the home, in alternative care settings, and in penal institutions, as well as in schools.“ 

Keep Dirty Cops Off Sri Lanka’s Child Protection Services

  • Petition launched on:11th June 2020
  • Number of Signatures:Over 2000 (on-line and physical signatures) 

 

Child protection in Sri Lanka is a national crisis. In addition to the abuse of children by gruesome individuals, there is an increase in the violation of children’s rights by officers of the Sri Lanka Police. On 25/05/2020, an autistic 14-year-old boy from Darga Town, Kalutara, was assaulted by police, visible on video recording, and was later denied by investigating officers. On 06/06/2020, another 14-year-old boy was unlawfully detained by Elpitiya police as ransom until his father appeared.

 

In June 2019, Waruni Bogahawatta, Officer In Charge (OIC) of Matara Women & Children’s Bureau was found guilty by Supreme Court for abuse of power and violating rights of a Grade 10 female student.Case No SC (FR) 677/2012. In conclusion, The Supreme Court made 17 recommendations for Sri Lanka and Law Enforcement Authorities to protect and promote human rights of all citizens.

Officer Bogahawatta was stripped off her accolades and was removed from service as per the news reports at the time. However, it is shocking to see her reinstated at Matara Police Station in her previous rank/role as OIC Women’s and Children’s Bureau within one year. This is a mockery of the highest level of the independent judiciary and absolute abuse of authoritative power to reinstate corrupt police officers.

All Rights Reserved of Stop Child Cruelty © 2025 | Powered By