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Statement from Women In Need - Justice, Protection and Accountability

19th May, 2026

Women In Need (WIN) joins several civil society organizations in addressing public concern regarding the case involving a child who has allegedly been subjected to s*xual abuse, exploitation and trafficking. The case has very rightly caused public outcry demanding justice and protection for the girl child as criminal investigations have commenced against the highly influential Buddhist Priest. During investigations, the girl allegedly disclosed that she had been subjected to repeated s*xual abuse and had been handed over to multiple adults, including the said monk and a businessman, allegedly in exchange for money accepted by her mother. Under Sri Lankan law, a child is incapable of giving lawful consent to s*xual exploitation or abuse. Responsibility therefore rests entirely with the adult perpetrators and those who facilitate, enable, or profit from the exploitation of children.

THE CHILD’S SAFETY, WELLBEING, AND ACCESS TO JUSTICE

It is a fact that these allegations require thorough and in-depth investigation. However, as an organization that has consistently advocated for the rights of women and girls in Sri Lanka, supporting victim survivors of violence; WIN’s foremost concern remains the safety, security, and physical and psychological wellbeing of the child survivor, and ensuring that she receives continuous support throughout the justice process and beyond.
Given the seriousness of the allegations and the significant institutional influence surrounding this case, we are deeply concerned with ensuring that the child survivor receives adequate legal representation, protection, and independent support throughout the justice process, keeping in mind that it is the child’s own mother is alleged to have been directly involved in facilitating or trafficking the child for s*xual exploitation.

SUPPORT FOR THE NCPA AND CALL FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL’S INTERVENTION

WIN commends and supports the action taken by the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), the primary state institution mandated to protect children in Sri Lanka. We extend our fullest support to the NCPA and all relevant authorities in ensuring that an independent and impartial investigation is carried out, and that criminal proceedings are instituted against any individual against whom sufficient evidence is disclosed relating to allegations of child s*xual abuse, exploitation, trafficking, or related offences. In this regard, WIN urges the Sri Lanka Police and the National Child Protection Authority to actively seek the intervention and representation of the Attorney General's Department immediately, to safeguard the rights, interests, safety, and wellbeing of the child survivor throughout all proceedings.
The active involvement of the Attorney General’s Department is essential not only to uphold the integrity of the criminal justice process, but also to maintain public confidence that justice will be pursued fairly, and without fear or favour.

SURVIVOR-CENTRED JUSTICE AND CHILD PROTECTION

WIN further stresses the importance of:
· Survivor-centred justice and child-sensitive procedures
· Protection of victims and witnesses from intimidation, retaliation, or secondary victimization
· Access to psychosocial care, legal assistance, and protective support services for the child survivor
· Responsible public and media discourse that safeguards the dignity and confidentiality of the child

BREAKING THE SILENCE ON CHILD ABUSE

While we all advocate for justice for this child survivor, it must also be remembered that there are many other children — girls and boys alike — who silently continue to experience horrendous abuse, s*xual exploitation, and violence, with no access to protection. We urge the public to remain vigilant, and to take all necessary steps to bring such incidents to light while ensuring the safety, protection, and dignity of vulnerable children.

FAIRNESS, DUE PROCESS, AND RESPONSIBLE PUBLIC DISCOURSE

WIN also reaffirms the principle of the presumption of innocence and the right to due process guaranteed under the law.
Independence, accountability, and fairness must coexist within a justice system committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice without fear or favour. The pursuit of accountability in cases involving allegations of abuse against children must remain impartial and guided solely by evidence and the law, irrespective of a person’s religion, ethnicity, social standing, institutional authority, or public influence. At the same time, religious office, cultural reverence, or institutional status cannot and should not place any individual beyond scrutiny in the face of serious allegations concerning abuse or s*xual exploitation.

A TEST OF JUSTICE, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND INSTITUTIONAL INTEGRITY

This moment will test not only the credibility of institutions, but also the country’s collective commitment to fairness, accountability, and child protection. Justice must be pursued without fear or favour, while ensuring that the survivor is treated with compassion, dignity, and care. The true measure of fairness is not how institutions respond when allegations concern the powerless, but whether the same commitment to justice exists when allegations involve individuals occupying positions of immense authority and influence.

Read more at bakteens.lk

Read more at bakteens.lk

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