NCPA launches special probe into Kotahena teen’s death

Saturday, 10 May 2025 00:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Issues series of directives to Education Ministry Secretary and Provincial Education Directors to strengthen legal compliance, accountability in schools

The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) yesterday announced that it has launched a special investigation into the tragic death of a 16-year-old girl who reportedly jumped from the seventh floor of an apartment complex in the Kotahena area.

The incident, which has sparked intense public and social media scrutiny, has raised fresh concerns about child protection and institutional accountability.

According to a special statement issued by the NCPA, official reports have been requested from the Kotahena and Bambalapitiya Police stations under the powers vested in the authority through Sections 14(g), (h), (e), 24, and 37 of the National Child Protection Authority Act No. 50 of 1998.

The Authority expressed deep concern over the continued failure to report incidents of physical, mental and sexual abuse of children in schools, noting that such non-disclosures are often driven by efforts to protect the reputation of institutions or suppress victims’ voices.

In response, the NCPA has issued a series of directives to the Education Ministry Secretary and Provincial Education Directors to strengthen legal compliance and accountability in schools:

1.Mandatory reporting: Principals and school officials must immediately report any case of child abuse to the NCPA using the 24-hour Child Support Service (1929), via email (nepa@childprotection.gov.lk), or by contacting the NCPA headquarters in Sri Jayawardenepura.

2.Disciplinary action: Teachers or principals suspected of abuse must be relieved of duties involving children pending the outcome of investigations.

3.Victim protection: Internal investigations must be conducted in a manner that prevents re-traumatising the child victims.

4.Anti-retaliation measures: Schools are strictly prohibited from removing complainant children, pressuring them, or engaging in actions that marginalise or label them.

The NCPA emphasised that transparency and immediate reporting are critical to ensuring justice for abused children and urged all stakeholders to avoid concealing such incidents.

The matter was taken up at yesterday’s Parliamentary session, where heated arguments were exchanged between the Government and the opposition.

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