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CIC Paints, marketers of popular paint brands Dulux, Glidden and Autocolour recently launched the CIC Paints Child Protection Trust Fund with an initial contribution of Rs. 500,000 from the company.

Speaking at the press conference to launch the CIC Paints Child Protection Trust Fund, Gerald de Saram, Managing Director of CIC Paints recounted how a chance meeting with Pieter and Luise Ter Haar, a South African couple who had surrendered a comfortable lifestyle to run Jeevana Kanda Lama Nivasaya which provides shelter and nurturing environment for abused girls in this country had alerted the company to the urgent need to support the cause of children.

Thereafter the company decided that instead of supporting various ad hoc projects to take up the cause of abused children and to do all within its power to provide protection and care for the innocent victims. Generally private sector initiatives of this nature don't go beyond funding awareness campaigns.

Although creating awareness is an integral part of the overall strategy of protecting children, CIC Paints felt that its contribution could and should be made in a manner that directly benefits abused children. CIC Paints Child Protection Trust Fund was set up with this objective in mind.

Consequently the company invited an eminent specialist in the field of child care, Dr. (Mrs) Hiranthi Wijemanne, a former member of the Board of the National Child Protection Authority to join the Board of Trustees of the fund.

Dr. Wijemanne who recently retired from the Untied Nations Children Fund after 26 years of service speaking at the press conference stated that a recent study conducted among university undergraduates revealed that almost 15% of boys and a lesser number of girls had indicated that they had suffered abuse.

Detailing further she stressed that while physical, emotional and sexual abuse were categorised separately most victims were subjected to all three forms together. She was of the opinion that child abuse isn't a recent phenomenon and that in recent times far more cases are now reported. Imagine the helplessness of the victims, when more often than not, the molester is none other than a close family member or family friend. Unlike a physical scar, the psychological scarring and mental agony that victims suffer are almost impossible to assess and perhaps can never be completely erased.

"Only the combined support of all of society can prevent such a heinous, offence being committed. Not only NGOs and other specialised institutions but every member of society must be part of the fight. I'm so pleased that CIC Paints have decided to support the effort to prevent child abuse." In addition to Dr. Wijemanne, the Trustee Board comprises B. R. L. Fernando, Chairman, Chemical Industries Colombo Ltd., Gerald de Saram, Managing Director CIC Paints Ltd. and Samantha Ranatunga, Director, Chemical Industries Colombo Ltd.

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