READER’S POINT OF VIEW
COLOMBO : A deeply disturbing case of sexual abuse at a leading Colombo school has shocked the nation. A male teacher, accused of sexually abusing a female student, reportedly drove the child to take her own life. Yet, the Department of Education’s only disciplinary action was to transfer the perpetrator to a boys’ school—a grossly inadequate response to a grave crime.
Such leniency not only undermines justice but also sends a dangerous message: that predators within the education system can escape real consequences. This sets a terrifying precedent where the safety and dignity of students, especially girls, are compromised.
It is imperative that Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya Chairman of Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), along with Ms. Saroja Savithri Paulraj , Hon. Minister of Women and Child Affairs / Department of Probation and Child Care Services and Ms. Preethi Inoka Ranasinghe, Chairman of National Child Protection Authority, urgently intervene to demand stronger accountability and criminal prosecution.
A mere transfer does not equate to justice. Without strict, deterrent penalties, the cycle of abuse will persist.
We owe it to every student to ensure that schools remain safe spaces for learning—not zones of silent suffering.”
Mohamed Zahran,
Colombo
