(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) – The responsibility of protecting the children of the nation from child abusers is a responsibility of the whole society. Therefore, the unconditional fight against child abusers and the need to enforce the law against them should be strengthened, said the State Minister, Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle, Chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians Caucus in Parliament of Sri Lanka. The Minister expressed her regret over the sale and abuse of a 15-year-old girl through the internet.
More than 20 people have been arrested for selling and abusing a 15 – year – old girl through the internet. She reminded that it is the responsibility of everyone to create an environment where such incidents do not happen again.
According to Article 360 of the Penal Code, anyone who incites child abuse can be either imprisoned for more than 10 years or fined or both, but the law against child abuse should be further tightened, the Minister said. The Minister said that it was the responsibility of all to create a social environment in which abusers could not even look at the children and that all avenues for child abuse should be prevented. The Child Protection Authority had an important role in this regard and should be able to take all necessary measures to protect children in a systematic manner.
Covid 19 has increased the likelihood of children accessing the Internet, the most serious of which is the fact that some groups are subtly attempting to sexually and emotionally abuse children which could be detrimental for their future.
