The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj

¶ 01 Yes, Hon. Member. Approximately: victims reported — 2015: 4; 2016: 3; 2017: 5; 2018: 7; 2019: 108; 2020: 158; 2021: 128; 2022: 14; 2023: 30; 2024: 38; 2025 up to 10.03: 15. The total so far is 153. Of these: sexual harassment 100; attempted homicide 2; assault causing injury 13; verbal threats 16; criminal intimidation 12; obstruction to official duty 4; rape 3; grave sexual abuse 3. Three cases have been referred for Attorney-General’s advice; 148 cases have been instituted in courts; one was advised for civil remedy. (Note: full tabulations are in the annexes placed in the Library.)

¶ 02 Further, with respect to the Police Children and Women Bureau statistics and actions, details are in Annex 01; and NCW case actions in Annex 02, both tabled.

¶ 03 Regarding media reporting on gender-based violence, our Ministry, the National Committee on Women, and the National Child Protection Authority are preparing guidelines and coordinating with the Ministry of Mass Media to standardize ethical reporting so as not to harm victims’ dignity or families.

¶ 04 On case backlogs and delays concerning women and children, nationwide approximately 40,000 complaints have accumulated over about the last decade (via 1929 Child Help Line and direct NCPA complaints), many at various stages: awaiting forensic reports, AG’s advice, or in court. Staff shortages and legal staffing issues at the NCPA caused delays. We have now approved recruitment to increase the NCPA cadre by 109 to expedite casework, clear the backlog, and accelerate new cases. We are also expediting forensic and DNA reports. For a recent Anuradhapura case, the matter is being called today and DNA reports have been sought.

¶ 05 We met the concerned mother you mentioned and are working with the Minister of Justice on the Corporal Punishment (Prohibition) Bill and other measures to strengthen protection. We aim to resolve her daughter’s case expeditiously.