Use of child in political ad: Mother complains to NCPA

by Marlan Kapuwatta

Dayani Chandralatha, the mother whose child has been featured in a controversial political advertisement, has complained to the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) that her child has been unfairly and wrongly used.

Chandralatha told reporters that film director Inoka Sathyangani has used her child for a political advertisement on the pretext of filming a milk powder commercial. She is seeking redress from the NCPA in this regard.

Her son Kavindu Lakshan will be subject to a medical examination today, following the intense psychological trauma he has experienced over the last few days. Attorney-at-law Ananda Goonetilleke who watched Chandralatha's interests said it was pathetic that Lakshman has been used in this manner for political purposes. He called for immediate action against the perpetrators.

He said it was ironic that the UNP which promises to banish child abuse through its People's Agenda has stooped to the level of using children to gain political mileage.