National programme to combat, rape, child abuse

Ridma Dissanayake

Implementing a national programme with the involvement of the government has become a timely need to prevent children and females from being abused and raped, Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said.

He said around 65 percent out of all court cases in the Polonnaruwa district, relate to child abuse and rape. “Not only in Polonnaruwa, this is common in most parts of the country,” he said.

The minister said the use of drugs and alcohol are the main reasons for rape and child abuse.

“Information technology has also contributed to child abuse and rape in Sri Lanka,” Minister Sirisena said addressing a ceremony at Madirigiriya National School, Polonnaruwa to mark International Women’s Day organised by the Health Ministry under the theme ‘Deya Dinawana Deye Diyaniyan Surakimu’.

The minister emphasised the dangerous situation being created through the use of the internet, hand phones and other communication methods which can be witnessed in the present day society. “Parents should be the closest friends of children and their protectors.

“Arrangements are in place to implement a national programme to prevent Lankan children and women from being abused. We hope to commence it from the Polonnaruwa district,” Sirisena said. “Sri Lankan women have more rights than women in other countries. The Sri Lankan society has granted more rights for women. developing public attitude is also important,” the minister said. Additional Secretary Dr Sujatha Senaratne presented a special memento to Minister Sirisena for completing 47 years in politics and 25 years in Parliament.