28 March, 2024

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WAN Wants Justice For Sexually Abused Children, Calls For Due Process And Justice Over Politics

The Women’s Action Network (WAN) has demanded all political parties and politician to stop taking advantage of the recent sexual assault on three children for their own petty benefit, and have instead urged the politicians and their allies to stand and work together regardless of ethnicity, religion, political or personal ideologies, to bring about justice for these children, who were victims of a sexual assault.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, WAN, a collective of 8 women’s organisations that are working in the north and east said, “We, the Women’s Action Network (WAN*), are deeply concerned that political parties and politicians are taking advantage of this tragic situation to fulfil their own political and communal agendas, instead of working together to obtain justice for the three children and hold the perpetrator/s accountable for their crime.”

On May 28, 2017, three school girls from the same family, ages seven and eight, were sexually abused by an unknown person at a nearby construction site on their way home from tuition class, in Peruveli, Mallikaitheevu, Trincomalee. Family members reported the incident to the Muttur police. Meanwhile, villagers assaulted three construction workers on suspicion of committing the crime; the three were later arrested by the police, but the case has taken a communal angle as the victims are from the Tamil community whereas the accused are from the Muslim community.

“It is very difficult for survivors of sexual violence and their families to stand up for justice, which is why so few cases have been taken to court. The trauma of coming forward, leads to most cases of grave sexual violence being buried and perpetrators being allowed to roam free and continue to abuse others. In recent years, WAN has observed an alarming increase in cases of paedophilia and sexual violence. This case is merely symptomatic of the social ills that plague women and children, particularly in the north and east, where the aftermath of war has left so many female-headed households vulnerable. It is paramount that politicians and their allies, as well as local organizations and activists, stand and work together regardless of their ethnicity, religion, political or personal ideologies, to bring about justice for these children, and ensure that the true perpetrator/s are prosecuted and dealt maximum sentences under the law with immediate effect. Only then can we ensure that such heinous crimes are not repeated. Justice for the children and the family, not politics, must take centre stage,” WAN said in the statement.

According to WAN, the victims of the sexual abuse were kept at the police station for an inquiry from 6.30 pm to 1.00 am that same night, and were later admitted to the Trincomalee Hospital. It is alleged that during the period when the survivors were in police custody one of the lawyers appearing for the accused allegedly walked into the police station and had the victims identify the three suspects in police custody but the survivors did not identify them. While the victims were being admitted at the hospital, the police allegedly showed them a photograph of another individual, who they identified as the perpetrator.

On June 05th, an identification parade was held at the Muttur Magistrate Court. The three arrested suspects were produced, but none of them were identified by the survivors. The police did not produce the individual the victims had identified as the perpetrator. The case was brought before the court on June 12th. The police produced a fourth suspect and two witnesses to the sexual assault (also children). These two witnesses identified the 4th accused as someone they had seen standing near the building (where the three children were being sexually abused) and had called the witnesses into the same building. The Magistrate granted bail to all four accused and fixed the next hearing date for July 10th.

WAN pointed out that the case has intensified the trauma of victims and their families and resulted in the further heightening of tensions between the Tamil and Muslim communities in the area. “Protests were held calling for justice for the victims, and there were many politicians present in court,” the statement added.

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Latest comments

  • 7
    0

    No Sri Lankan of any religion should get away with these crimes against children, and if found guilty should be give the harshest punishment. No one is above the law, and if indeed there is evidence that those accused committed this horrible crime, they should be arrested.

    The government should also take a strong stand against pedophilia that Sri Lanka has become notorious for. Many dirty old men from abroad come here to find little children for their pleasure, which is breaking all international laws. I have seen many of these disgusting men befriend the family of these little kids, most probably give them gifts, and money, to have access to these children. It is time the government stepped in and saved our children from these criminals.

    • 2
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      Nelum———————-Is this another INGO conspiracy to tarnish the image of miracle of Asia? Don’t get me wrong, there are a few pedophiles don’t look like Mahindapala.

      • 3
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        like the blacks of america or france set fire to the expensive vehicles parked at colombo streets then even promoters of LGBT Obama listened. there is no way out- forces, monks,catholic, buddhist, school teachers etc of lanka are frustrated folk. there is no point in protest as there can never be a scum like gandhi again.

    • 0
      1

      Nelum: “………..Sri Lanka has become notorious for. Many dirty old men from abroad come here to find little children for their pleasure……..”. These men need not be old or look dirty. Remember why Sir Arthur Charles Clarke chose to live in the then Ceylon from 1956?

  • 0
    8

    Now, it happened to Tamils, it is the fault of Muslims. IF it was not, it would be the fult of ven. Ghanasara. where was the mother when seven to eight olds were loitering inside a construction site ?

    • 7
      1

      jim shitty bugger, firstly learn to write English in a intelligible manner. Bloody village gamaya bugger is running amok with broken English.

      • 0
        4

        Dalit Tamil Kallathoni who came to Frozen North – Keneda inside a rusty metal container: On the way, when I walk I come across so many ugly and noisy dogs. But, I don’t stop to bark at them. I thought I do different here, because you are a primitive human.

        • 3
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          Jim shitty: Dalit Tamil Kallathoni who came to Frozen North – Keneda inside a rusty metal container.

          TFN: gamaya kallathoni from Orissa, I did not come from Keneda but I moved to Canada from Jaffna. I flew Air Lanka and a Canadian airline. I know you talk from your lovely experience how your ancestors arrived in SL from Orissa as Kallathonis. Its ok, I won’t tell anyone.

          Jim shitty: On the way, when I walk I come across so many ugly and noisy dogs. But, I don’t stop to bark at them. I thought I do different here, because you are a primitive human.

          TFN: On the way, when I walk, I come across sub-human mongrels. If they bark I beat them down with a stick until they shut up. So, kallathoni from Orissa, when are you planning your trip back to Orissa on a vallam?

    • 3
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      It is extremely unlikely that 7 and 8 years old schoolgirls, who are usually of a timid nature, were ‘loitering’ inside a construction site. Most probably they were passing along the road adjoining the site. Hey Softy, you really take my breath away!

    • 3
      1

      jimsofty Dimwit————-“where was the mother when seven to eight olds were loitering inside a construction site ?”—————————-What is your advice to your sisters if they are being raped? Do you tell them to charge a small fees, lay back, relax and enjoy the whole experience? I am sure you will steal the collection from your sisters.

  • 4
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    Justice system in Sinhala Baudha State is a joke although not funny. There is something really wrong when you have the laws on paper but consistently unable to execute it.

  • 0
    2

    This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2/

  • 7
    0

    Something is radically wrong with this country when for every damn injustice people have to waste their precious time on the streets asking for justice to be enforced. Think about it and try getting together to make some sweeping changes to the administration of this country, when you get an opportunity again, late though it be.

  • 1
    5

    I am glad this WAN didn’t say the perpetrators were Sinhala Buddhists, unlike the TNA supporters, who made allegations that Grease Covered Sinhala Buddhists (Grease Yakkas) raping their women . …… Both female and male .Child Abuse is wide spread in poor Asian countries……..The perpetrators are the Western Countries which are buddies of the Yahapalana Government ………..Australia alone has 20,0000 of them who are in the Frequent Flyer clubs….. Now the Aussie Government is canceling their Passports to clip their wings so that they can’t travel anymore looking for kiddies… …… But the sad part is , the EU , America and Britain demanded that the Yahapalana Government repeal all the current same sex deterrent legislation which is in our books …..That was at the LGBT big fest at a 5 Star Hotel in Colombo the other day………..So much for Yahapalana deterrents for child sex abuse……..My main concern is the ECTA which will open the doors to Hindidians to walk in and settle down as they please……India has a mandatory 20 year Jail for Men having sex with Men and Boys……..Now that Dr Ranil is going to make it legal under his Batalanda Constitution, will the LGBT Hindians take full advantage of Dr Ranil’s good gesture to the EU and Britain , as part of the deal to get us GSP Plus?……

    • 4
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      KASmaalam K A Sumanasekera —————–“unlike the TNA supporters, who made allegations that Grease Covered Sinhala Buddhists (Grease Yakkas) ” ——————————–At least one of them was captured and produced at Jaffna police station. Since these were Gota’s Yakkas no action was taken against his novel improved way of intimidating and controlling the minds of the inhabitants. —————— “Child Abuse is wide spread in poor Asian countries……..The perpetrators are the Western Countries which are buddies of the Yahapalana Government ” ———–Very stupid man/woman/it please refer to NATIONAL CHILD PROTECTION AUTHORITY http://www.childprotection.gov.lk/?page_id=132 –for report of Number of Cases reported to the National Child Protection Authority in Year 2016 : English. —————-According to reports the number of cases reported to the authority in 2016 – 9,361, 2015 – 10,732, 2014 – 10,315, 2013 – 10,273, 2012 – 7,418, …………………………………………………. Here is some thing you chose not to know :

      Sri Lanka

      The number of crimes against children in Sri Lanka increased by 64% in 2012 , compared to the previous year, a Unicef report said.

      “According to Unicef and ILO [International Labour Organisation] there are 40,000 child prostitutes in Sri Lanka and 6.4% of the country’s child population gets pregnant,” said United National Party MP Rosy Senanayake.

      Although girls are sexually exploited both in the sex industry and by sex tourists, many NGOs believe that it is boys who face greater abuse by foreign sex offenders, NGO Ecpact (Ending Child Prostitution, Pornography and Trafficking) said.

      In Sri Lanka, the plantation sector has been identified as a notorious area for trafficking of children into the worst forms of child labour, particularly child domestic work and commercial sexual exploitation, according to ILO.

      The National Child Protection Authority issued a warning in 2011 of an increase in child sexual exploitation, related to the rapid growth of tourism. ——ibtimes.co.uk/—————Top Five Countries with Highest Rates of Child Prostitution
      By Ludovica Iaccino
      Updated February 6, 2014

      If you are one of those traffickers think about it.
      If you are drunk on cheap local kassipu please have something to eat, sleep, fact check and then blabber. Your typing is much worse than Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf which is full of his blabbering.

      • 0
        5

        Dear Native,
        So Gita’s boys smeared in Grease were only interested in in Intimidation and Control………..No nooky like the Wahabis and those under age Dalit Tamil girls on the construction site……….I am glad …..Last time I was at the old Kinsbury, there was a white dude in the Pool with a young Lankan boy …….And eating gourmet Pizza in between laps……..Poor bugger must have the Runs the next day for ..sure……….Forty thou of them …….. Blimey …….. Wonder how your mates Dr Ranil , Mangalan, Malik and Sagala think of most of the forty thou being Boys………..

  • 2
    2

    Muslim immigrants are doing this on a grand scale after escaping islamic hell holes, read British and EU news?
    Not all perverts in saffron robes or dog collars?

  • 2
    0

    Why can’t the Muslims too take part in the demonstration? Child abuse is a serious crime and perpetrators should be punished. Today victims can be Tamils, and Muslims can be accused. Tomorrow, it can change. But criminals have their own unique religion

  • 0
    4

    Now it appears the BBC has been right along filled with paedophiles.
    Sir Jimmy Saville the notorious of them all had abused children inside some BBC studios.

    • 2
      0

      thondamannay ————-“Now it appears the BBC has been right along filled with paedophiles.” —————-However in this island every men is a potential paedophile- especially the households where the women are employed abroad and the men are trusted with their under aged daughters. —– How come you are not exposed yet? ——-“Sir Jimmy Saville the notorious of them all had abused children inside some BBC studios” ————————————Did he abuse you?

  • 0
    8

    Rape happens everywhere its not unique to Tamil areas. Even our sinhala girls are sometimes raped by our monks. But we dont go and complain. Why the Tamils have to make this into a big saga

    • 4
      1

      Jim shitty, hahahaha what a bloody window licker. Rape of anyone should be reported and the perpetrator should be punished. Yes, we know the saffron cladded goons rape and if you think it is ok, maybe we should get a bull to do the same to you.

  • 0
    4

    This is an emotional subject, isn’t it?
    Children are the most valuable resource for any country.
    Child Sexual abuse is a social problem that applies to every ethnicity and every parts of the country which should not be tolerated anymore. — Every child is somebody’s child and the adults who molest children should be given the maximum and most strict punishment. They should never be granted clemency. —– The law is too lenient. Anyone who is accused for any form of child abuse should not be released on bail. These cases should be heard on Closed Courts in order to protect the confidentiality of the victims.—- Child abuse is directly subjected to impaired growth of child’s brain other than a plethora of other physical and psychological problems. Some children may carry the scars for their whole life —- The parents, especially mothers and grandmothers should not let children to be vulnerable for any sort of abuse. They should be protected.—-
    Children have a right to be protected by law. It is time the Parents understand this and take serious note of it. If a Child was subjected to molestation, NOT ONLY the Culprit but the Parents should ALSO be punished for not protecting the Child.

  • 3
    1

    The Ministry of Women’s and Child Affairs is totally handicapped in its involvement in preventing Child Sexual Abuse. There is an increase in these cases. For the last two years, I have never seen any sort of actions taken by the Minister in this regard. Interestingly, the Minister is a Sinhalese and the State Minister is a Tamil who seem to be not living in this world. Both are utterly USELESS females who have no regard for children and womenfolk.——- If both these Ministers were replaced with two compassionate Male Ministers who have children, I think they would do a better job.—- I am sure the Ministry has unused Budgetary Allocations for two years as they haven’t done anything new for the betterment for womenfolk and children. —-

    The Ministry should establish Family Resource Centres in every Province, actually in every District, based on priority. In order to do that, the Ministry should conduct a survey to identify the Most Vulnerable Districts and then recruit Community Social Workers from the District itself. They should be both male and female.—– The Family Resource Centres can conduct Professional Workshops for Parents to strengthen families and Awareness Programmes for Youth and separate Workshops for Children. —- Many activities can be arranged to teach Children as to how they identify signs for danger early and the need to share everything with Mothers, Grandmothers, Aunts or Female Teachers without keeping them as secrets.

  • 3
    0

    Unfortunately in Lanka, sexual assaults on children are not treated as a serious crime. The Trincomalee case must be considered as is and it is plain dishonesty on the part of media to give it a Muslim twist. In fact Lankan media do not carry much news in this area of crime. For example read CT of 22 March 2017 “Rape Suspect Of A 15 Year-Old Girl Released Without Proper Investigation”. Despite the family members of sexually abused 15-year-old girl filing a complaint with the Maskeliya Police Station, the case has not been properly investigated. According to the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) the alleged suspect, who comes from a wealthy family, was simply released. Domestic aides are found in most well to do families. Some are abused eg the infamous Justice Sarath de Abrew case. The Lankan Peace keepers in Haiti? Hope WAN will create the much needed awareness.

  • 2
    0

    I saw the Students from University of Jaffna distributing relief items/school accessories to flood victims in the South which I highly commend. It was reported that their efforts were facilitated by Maj. Gen. Mahesh Senanayake and later other Army Officers in the South. I hope the country will be fortunate to see more of this type of kind gestures among all three communities.

    This initiative taken by Tamil students could facilitate in reaching Reconciliation goals more smoothly. As I said somewhere, the Reconciliation should have a hands-on approach with true human bonding as it is something which should come from the hearts of people. The Politicians and ONUR think that they can ‘plant’ Reconciliation in the society which is hilarious. (Sorry, Mr. President).

    Even in social problems like Child Sexual Abuse, the involvement of University Students in the North/South could be highly effective. They can establish Voluntary Task Forces including all three ethnicities from around the country and work together in conducting Awareness Programmes in various parts of the country. I think Children will be more comfortable with University Students than adults, if they conduct some Creative Workshops to teach them some preventive/protective measures. The University Students should be encouraged to take part in the community in meaningful ways and one of the Ministries, I don’t know which, should fund these Workshops.

    On the other hand, there should be Workshops for Adults too. It is very difficult to understand how could a man makes up his mind to molest innocent children and vulnerable women which is below humanity.

    Sometimes, it is not easy to bring down Adults to these Workshops. However, if nothing is done at social level too in preventing Child Sexual Abuse, other than taking strict legal action for offenders, the situation will become worse.

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