Landmark event in child protection through justice

The College of Forensic Pathologists of Sri Lanka (CFPSL), an academic syndicate consisting of specialists of Forensic Medicine from the Health Ministry and State Universities handed over the draft documents on National Guidelines on Examination and Reporting of victims of child abuse to Attorney General Mohan Pieris, PC and the Secretaries of Justice and Health Ministries recently.

The ceremony was held at Water's Edge, Battaramulla. This event was organized by the Justice Ministry in collaboration with CFPSL and the UNICEF under the theme "Child care and protection through justice."

Justice Ministry Secretary Suhada Gamlath congratulated the college for finishing the task given to them.

He stated that the Justice Ministry will support the College since implementation only, will solve issues related to the medico-legal reports especially those related to different standards and inadequacies.

College President Dr Uthpala Attygalle said that the CFPSL had identified this issue in 2006 and was in the process of developing guidelines. With the fullest co-operation and support of the Justice Ministry and the UNICEF, the College organized several multi-disciplinary meetings during past few months to develop this document.

UNICEF Country Representative Reza Hossaini stated that world statistics of child abuse is horrendous and the formulation of National Guidelines on Examination and Reporting of victims of child abuse is a landmark event in the child protection work in Sri Lanka.

Chief Guest Attorney General Mohan Pieris said that this document is a longfelt need fulfilled.

Whilst congratulating the college on finishing the task, he stated that the medico-legal services in the hospitals should also give a thought in creating child friendly environment.

Chief Consultant Judicial Medical Officer (JMO), Colombo and the immediate past President of the College Dr Ananda Samarasekera stated that although each expert has their own opinion, what the college achieved is to come to a consensus regarding examining and reporting guidelines.