The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, thank you for this opportunity. Before my Question under Standing Order 27(2), I wish to raise a matter and draw the Hon. Prime Minister’s attention to a highly sensitive issue.

¶ 02 On 2025 April 29, a fifteen-year-old schoolgirl took her life by jumping from an upper floor of a house. She had transferred from her school following sexual abuse there. Later, during a private tuition class, the tutor publicly discussed the abuse the girl had suffered, causing her severe distress, which is reported to have led to her suicide on April 29. The abuse occurred on 23 October 2024. On 08 May 2025, the teacher alleged to have committed the abuse was transferred. I draw the Hon. Prime Minister’s attention to this matter.

¶ 03 The police were initially informed of the abuse by the hospital doctor. The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has not been properly informed. I propose, firstly, that a clear mechanism be established both to prevent such abuses and, secondly, to ensure immediate reporting and rapid action when such incidents occur. The teacher was remanded and later released on bail, yet months passed before his transfer.

¶ 04 There are many unreported cases. The NCPA should have a mechanism to become aware promptly. When Hon. Vijayakala Maheswaran or Hon. Ganesan raised it previously, the subject Minister stated the NCPA had not received a complaint. Relying solely on formal complaints is not adequate. An automatic process should trigger immediate, coordinated action by the NCPA and law enforcement. I request a more structured, efficient mechanism and appropriate action regarding the tuition teacher who publicly humiliated the victim at class.