Saving children from religious predators 

The recent revelations reported by The Examiner , an online news outlet, of repeated sexual abuse allegedly committed by a Catholic priest at a leading boys’ school in Kandy has once again brought attention to the role of clergy in perpetrating some of the worst crimes against children and yet being a stumbling block against remedial measures to protect those very vulnerable segments of society.  

Our country has long placed religious clergy, whether Christian priests, Buddhist monks, or other spiritual leaders, on a pedestal of unquestioned respect. While our faith and tradition being integral to our nation’s identity, this reverence has created a dangerous culture of impunity. Allegations of abuse are often dismissed, victims are silenced, and institutions close ranks to protect their own. The result is a system where the most vulnerable, our children, are left exposed.

The revelations in The Examiner are not an isolated incident. Reports of abuse within Catholic seminaries and Buddhist monasteries have surfaced periodically over the years, often whispered rather than openly discussed. Senior monks abusing novice monks, priests exploiting their authority over students and much more sinister accusations. What is new is the growing willingness of a few media outlets and survivors to speak out. But speaking out is not enough if it is not followed by action.

Perhaps the most damning reality is that not a single priest in Sri Lanka has been successfully prosecuted for child sexual abuse. This stands in stark contrast to other countries, where clergy, including those within Sri Lankan diaspora communities, have faced investigation, trial, and conviction. The difference is not the absence of crime in Sri Lanka, but the absence of accountability.

This failure is systemic. Victims and their families often fear social stigma, retaliation, or the destruction of their reputations. Religious institutions, instead of cooperating transparently with authorities, frequently handle allegations internally, if at all. Law enforcement agencies, whether due to pressure, deference, or lack of political will, fail to pursue cases rigorously. Together, these factors create a perfect shield for abusers.

They clearly are not above the law. A priest’s robe or a monk’s saffron does not grant immunity from prosecution. When individuals exploit positions of spiritual authority to harm children, their crimes are not only legal violations but profound betrayals of public trust. The law must treat them as it would any other offender, firmly, impartially, and without delay.

Parents, too, have a critical role to play. In a culture that encourages unquestioning respect for authority figures, many fail to recognise warning signs of abuse. Children may be reluctant or unable to articulate what is happening to them, especially when the perpetrator is someone they have been taught to revere. Education and awareness are essential. Parents must be equipped to identify behavioral changes, understand boundaries, and create safe environments where children feel heard and protected.

Equally troubling is the role of religious leaders’ including the Cardinal who have vigorously opposed comprehensive sexual health education. For years, clergy have resisted efforts to introduce age-appropriate education on sexuality, consent, and personal boundaries in schools, often invoking “culture” and “tradition.” Yet it is precisely this lack of knowledge that leaves children vulnerable. When young people are not taught how to recognise inappropriate behaviour and or assert their boundaries, predators operate with ease.

It is both ironic and tragic that religious institutions failing to police their own ranks are simultaneously obstructing efforts to empower children with knowledge. This contradiction cannot be allowed to continue. Sexual health education is not a threat to culture; it is a safeguard against abuse.

The Government bears ultimate responsibility. It has a duty of care to protect all citizens, especially children. This means enacting and enforcing laws that ensure allegations are investigated thoroughly, victims are supported, and perpetrators are brought to justice, regardless of their social or religious standing.