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Student suicide highlights system failures in protecting abuse victims
View(s):By Tharushi Weerasinghe
Parents and supporters rallied outside a Colombo school this week, demanding justice after a schoolgirl who accused her teacher of abuse died following months of official neglect and public shaming, including by a private tuition institute owner.
The student of Ramanathan Hindu Ladies’ College in Bambalapitiya was preparing for her Ordinary Level examinations when she was allegedly abused by her mathematics teacher in October 2024. According to the Police Media Division, a complaint was filed on December 8, 2024, and the teacher was arrested on January 8, 2025. He was produced before the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court, remanded until January 10, and later released on bail with a travel ban. The next court hearing is scheduled for May 19.
Protesters calling for justice for the victim student during a demonstration outside the school where she was allegedly abused by a teacher
Following the incident, the student was transferred to another school in Kotahena, where, according to her mother, she was well supported. However, a later incident at a private tuition institute further distressed her. Her mother said the owner of the institute humiliated her in front of other students by revealing details of the case, alleging she was involved in a police matter, and barring her from attending classes. On May 6, a third-party complaint was made to the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) via the 109 hotline, claiming this encounter contributed to the student’s death.
Government ministers have issued conflicting statements over the handling of the case, as questions mount about institutional negligence and the alleged political affiliations of both teachers involved.
Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Paulraj came under fire in Parliament on Thursday after she claimed no complaint had been directed to her personally. Her statement sparked outrage from the opposition politicians and trade union activists who questioned why direct appeals to the minister were needed to trigger action. Her remarks also contradicted the formal complaint made on May 6 to the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), which operates under her ministry.
According to the Police Media Division, the girl committed suicide on April 29 at her residence in Kotahena. She was 15 years old at the time. Her mother said the emotional toll and public shaming left her daughter feeling isolated. The student left behind a letter naming her alleged abuser and describing the circumstances that led to her death.
In response, a protest was staged outside the school on Thursday, with parents and supporters demanding the arrest and permanent suspension of the school teacher, as well as accountability from the school administration. Allegations have been levelled against the school principal and education authorities for attempting to shield the teacher, who was allowed to continue teaching and was only transferred to another school following public outcry.
According to police, investigations are ongoing through the Women and Children’s Bureau and the Bambalapitiya Police. The tuition institute owner is also under investigation for alleged psychological abuse.
The owner of the tuition institute filed a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department on Friday, claiming that the story was a deliberate smear campaign with a political agenda.
Speaking to the media outside the CID, Narayanapillai Sivanandarajah claimed that he had merely observed that the student was unwell on the day of the incident, presenting signs of having an epileptic fit, and had therefore informed the parents to come and take her home. Mr. Sivanandarajah, who identified himself as the Colombo North organiser for the NPP, claimed that his photos and institute were now being used to entangle him in a false narrative to discredit the government.
The Ministry of Education on Friday confirmed that the B report related to the incident was now part of the Ministry’s official investigation. The ministry further highlighted that the investigation includes probing officials for negligence and their failure to fulfil their duties towards the student.
“The transfer should not have happened, and the response to the incident was mishandled following the teacher’s release on bail,” Education Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewe said, noting that the teacher was allowed back on school premises due to existing regulations, which require stringent evidence for termination of employment. “When we make disciplinary decisions in state schools, the regulations are stricter, and the police complaint was the only evidence available at the time.”
Mr. Kaluwewe explained that the ministry had not been notified of the incident until the public outcry on social media and the subsequent protest this week. While the school informed the zonal education office of the complaint and arrest, the escalation to higher authorities was not swift enough, he added. “We are conducting an internal inquiry to understand why this process took so long, as such delays are inexcusable.”
One of the main issues identified by the ministry was the lack of a clear child safeguarding protocol. A special advisory session with experts is being organised to analyse and begin formulating a procedure for situations where child safety is compromised in schools. “We will implement this procedure swiftly in the coming weeks.”
The secretary further clarified that the teacher is currently on compulsory leave and his transfer has been cancelled. However, he emphasised that this is not a permanent decision. “We will interdict him once the investigation establishes a stronger case.”
The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) also issued a statement highlighting that incidents of physical, mental, and sexual abuse within schools have often been concealed to protect perpetrators and preserve institutional reputations. “As such, the NCPA is sharing this advisory with the Ministry of Education and Zonal Education offices to guide them in the event of such incidents,” the statement read.
The NCPA noted that when an incident was reported, the principal or responsible official must immediately inform the NCPA using the provided emails, 24-hour hotlines, numbers, and addresses. The NCPA also advised authorities that any teacher or educational professional accused of such crimes should not be allowed to work with or be near children until investigations and court proceedings are completed.
The NCPA also said that children, including victims, who are required to give evidence must not be further traumatised by the questioning process. It also advised that students making complaints should not be subjected to expulsion, suspension, bullying, harassment, or ostracism by school authorities or teachers in any form.
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