END 73 YEARS OF DOOMED LEGACY CHILD PROTECTION IS A NATIONAL CRISIS

In commemoration of the third anniversary of Stop Child Cruelty Trust (SCC) are commencing an interview series “End the Doomed Legacy!” on February 4, 2021; a poignant revelation of the extent of the child protection crisis with practical resolutions suggested by a core of passionate experts in child protection.

Child protection is a national crisis in Sri Lanka. Latest Police reports confirm a child is sexually molested every two hours in our paradise island. There were an alarming 5292 cases of child abuse in 2019 and 6063 cases in first nine months of 2020 confirmed by Minister Prof. G L Peiris, Minister of Education in Parliament on October 6, 2020. Furthermore, the Minister also admitted that the speed at which the inquiries were concluded by National Child Protection Authority was unsatisfactory. 

Stop Child Cruelty Trust (SCC) established in 2018 is focused on ending violence against children, especially ending corporal punishment in schools and has gained international recognition by Global Initiative to End Corporal Punishment (UK) and End Violence (USA). Physical abuse is the most common form of child abuse in Sri Lanka and globally. SCC have been forthright advocates in raising awareness and empowering citizens whilst encouraging the Government to fulfill years of empty pledges and honor its obligations to UN Committee on Rights of The Child (UNCRC). 

"Prof. Savithri Goonesekere, Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Colombo reiterates that child protection will remain in crisis unless the law is implemented speedily and the Authorities follow the recommendations of UNCRC to make the simple amendments to the law, Sri Lanka will become a State of impunity"

Dr. Tush Wickramanayaka, Founder Chairperson strongly believes that the historic appeal by a 11-year old Sri Lankan registered by UNHRC against corporal punishment is a great opportunity for the Government to engage in a purposeful process to protect and promote the rights of all children. 
Prof. Sarath Wijesooriya, Professor of Sinhala Department, University of Colombo advocates that independence is not the waiving of a flag or a parade; it is the freedom for every citizen, especially a child to live protected by the State with moral Leadership.
Sidath Wettimuny, Patron of SCC, Chairman of Nobles Group of Companies and Former National cricketer explains that sports should be free of violence against children without unhealthy competition and promote racial harmony. 

Prof. Savithri Goonesekere, Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Colombo reiterates that child protection will remain in crisis unless the law is implemented speedily and the Authorities follow the recommendations of UNCRC to make the simple amendments to the law, Sri Lanka will become a State of impunity. 
Chandi Aluwihare, Former Mrs Sri Lanka suggests that if the relevant persons in child protection can only declare statistics of worsening state of affairs, they must resign or be expelled and appoint passionate, empathetic individuals. 
Bhoomi Harendran, Social Activist believes that children are not considered as rights holders and Government must ensure equality, justice and hope for the true beneficiaries of our future, our children.