By The Pulseline News Desk
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called on the Government to urgently accelerate legal proceedings involving child abuse and exploitation, warning that nearly 46,000 children who have reported abuse are still awaiting justice.
Speaking during a discussion on child protection held at the Opposition Leader’s Office, Premadasa said the prolonged delays in investigating complaints and concluding court proceedings were denying victims the justice they deserved, often long after their childhood had ended.
He questioned why thousands of complaints involving child abuse remained unresolved, stressing that many survivors had been forced to wait years for legal redress.
“Children who have suffered abuse should not have to spend their childhood waiting for justice,” he said, urging authorities to prioritise these cases.
Premadasa also criticised the postponement of the National Child Protection Policy, noting that while it was introduced in 2019 with the intention of being fully implemented by 2025, the Government has now delayed its implementation until 2029.
He questioned the rationale behind extending the timeline, arguing that commitments made under the Government’s 2024 mandate should not be deferred at the expense of children’s welfare.
Describing the delay as a serious injustice to vulnerable children, the Opposition Leader said the policy should be implemented without further postponement.
Premadasa pledged the full support of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) for any initiative aimed at strengthening child protection mechanisms, emphasising that safeguarding children should transcend political differences.
He also highlighted the growing backlog within the judicial system, noting that approximately 4,000 child abuse-related cases are currently pending before courts. According to him, dedicated measures are needed to ensure these cases are heard and concluded without unnecessary delay.
To address the issue, Premadasa proposed the establishment of a special presidential task force to oversee investigations, coordinate relevant institutions, and expedite justice for all 46,000 complainants.
He stressed that the issue of child protection should never become a political contest, calling instead for a united national effort to strengthen the legal system, protect children’s rights, and ensure timely justice for victims.
Reaffirming his party’s position, Premadasa said both he and the SJB stood ready to provide unconditional support for any meaningful action taken by the Government to improve child protection and deliver justice to affected children.
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