A controversial issue of a stigmatised boy sees a happy ending
“There are two ways to be fooled; One is to believe what isn’t true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true” - Soren Kierkegaard
At last the stigmatised six-year-old boy of Kuliyapitiya seems to have come very close to seeing the blue fairy.
The issue of the 6-year-old child, who was refused admission to a school because of a rumour that his 
father was HIV positive, and created much stir in society, seems to be seeing a better end, but still there’s more to be done.
Last week the Trinity College, Kandy came forward to take the child in and an MoU was signed with the College and the Education Ministry. Each week, the curiosity grew among the public as things got tense with the issue, and wondering what would happen next.
Probably one of the most highlighted issues pertaining to children in the recent history, it formed a social platform to discuss health and social issues. The issue also brought to light the backward thinking of rural Sri Lankan communities.
This would not have been open for discussion if immense media support was not been given to the issue, and as a result the child is beginning to see a better future. It could have been a blessing in disguise.
This whole incident generates a question if this is really a “civilized society”, and if social values and humanitarian aspects are being down to zero level in this fast changing world.
The Daily Mirror took a plunge into the Kuliyapitiya incident once again, to find out about the latest developments of the matter.
According to the latest sources, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam and Trinity College recently to make the child gain admission.
Therefore under Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam’s directions and guidance, the Ministry of Education and relevant officials, in collaboration with a leading Business Company agreeing to sponsor their education, accommodation and other financial needs, have come to a final agreement regarding this matter.
Relevant Government authorities have been informed of this decision.
Several schools agreed to take him in earlier, but finally it was decided that the boy would be enrolled to Trinity College, Kandy, who also were happy to support the child’s needs throughout his schooling.
The mother had meanwhile given her approval to enrol the child into Trinity College, Kandy, to proceed with his education.
Thus she had handed over a letter of agreement to the National Childcare and Probation Authority (NCPA), Kurunegala.
Furthermore, she had also requested for further assistance in future , from all those who had and were expressed willingness to help her and also from the Business Company, which has agreed to sponsor the boy, for it will take around 15 years for her child to complete his secondary education.
The mother said she hoped that the necessary steps would be taken soon and the child’s admission 
would take place during the next few weeks.
Meanwhile, UNAIDS organization, in collaboration with UNICEF, held a discussion with representatives of all fields including Provincial Educational Authorities, Family Planning Association ,
The Grassroots Trust, a couple of civil societies, most importantly the Human Rights Commission , government authorities looking after children’s rights and legal officers, on how to take necessary measures during such matters.
The Daily Mirror had the opportunity of talking to Andrew Fowler-Watt, Principal , Trinity College, Kandy, about the decision of the College to enrol the boy.
I believe we’re doing the right thing - Principal Trinty College
“The child still has not come yet. We need to make sure that his mother will agree to send him to the school. I think she probably will,” he said.
“The child needs a good future. The main thing is that she’s happy as a mother. That is a good thing. Unless she agrees, we cannot do anything, thus it’s yet to be confirmed.
“I believe we’re doing the right thing, and we are really happy to help. I’m sure the other schools have done their best too, in offering their help as well. This is a very sensitive issue as every child deserves the right to get good education; every child deserves to be happy, to be with his friends, and showcase his talents and abilities. “I’m extremely grateful to the Trinity College authorities including the Old Boys, and all those who supported me in taking this decision,” he said.
The kind act done by Trinity College has certainly set an example, which should be highly appreciated, giving the public something to think about, and indicating that humanity and understanding still exists
The child’s mother Chandani De Soysa told the Daily Mirror that she was now crying in happiness, and was overjoyed at the positive response and the support she has got throughout the whole episode.
My child got a school at last, and that is more than enough - mother
“I’m so happy. I got a letter asking for my consent to enter my child to the school. I accepted it and gave a letter giving my approval and gave it to the relevant authorities. He still has not gone yet,” she said.
Because till the NCPA approves the child won’t be able to go to school.
It’s only if the NCPA informs that the child can be given to the school. After the Education Minister also comes back and then all the relevant documents will be settled.
“Looking back at then and now, I’m really happy because when nobody wanted to give a school for my child, Trinity College offered help. I wish to thank all those who helped me, those who offered help from abroad, Government officials, Politicians and all those who to helped me,” she said. “I was actually living like a corpse with my child before, when we were completely neglected and stigmatised by society.
“I also got a lot of support from the media, both print and electronic, civil society organisations and those who helped me in various ways. I wish to thank all of them,” she said tearfully.
“Now of course that painful period is gone, and I will not cry,” she said.
She said that the NCPA had given her immense support , and it was through their help that everything was well coordinated and was organized.
"I’m sure the other schools have done their best too, in offering their help as well. This is a very sensitive issue as every child deserves the right to get good education
- Andrew Fowler-Watt"
“I hope that they will give their further support, and also those who offered to help in every way. A private TV Channel has agreed to help by opening an account for the child and giving financial assistance on a monthly basis. But above all, my child got a school at last, and that is more than enough.
“When I think of that I’m so happy,” she said.
Even we could feel her joy though her voice, which exhibited an innocent woman’s dream turn reality through a hard fought battle, in search of justice for her child.
She had a very difficult time for the past few weeks, going through a harrowing experience that she least expected.
The Daily Mirror also asked Dr. Dayanath Ranathunga , Country Manager, UNAIDS, about his views on social attitudes, which the Sri Lankan Society has, when it comes to issues such as these.
“This is a system failure. A fault of individuals. I consider there is a lesson to be learnt, and make rural communities be aware of certain issues,” he said.
“The huge media support, which was given worked out in this matter. Actually, the community organisations in rural areas are not functioning properly.
“The middle class people are much more informed and aware of these issues than the rural public,” he said.
He stressed the importance of including the Comprehensive Sexuality and Reproductive Health Education in the educational system. Speaking about a forum, which was conducted by UNAIDS and UNICEF, he said that they were held by UNAIDS in collaboration with UNICEF.
“We were basically discussing the measures we should take to prevent such issues in the future, and a couple of concrete suggestions were also taken into consideration,” he said. He said that the Ministry of Education should issue a circular of what measures could be taken, when enrolling such a child to a school.
"Probably one of the most highlighted issues pertaining to children in the recent history, it formed a social platform to discuss health and social issues. The issue also brought to light the backward thinking of rural Sri Lankan communities."
“The circular should include the Comprehensive Sexuality and Reproductive Health education , considering age appropriateness. It should be written in consultation with the experts, who are working with the Ministry of Education to create a necessary foundation. Also it should be included in the teacher’s training curricular,’’ he said.
He said that they also discussed conducting similar focused awareness campaigns on HIV, in selected areas of the country,
“In areas we think are vulnerable to less information and awareness , through villagers and community leaders , where communication will be much easier,” he said.
He said representatives including Provincial Educational Authorities were present at the meeting.
Speaking on attitudes of the Sri Lankans in accepting these facts, Dr. Ranathunga said that it might take some time for the general public to be educated. “Because any social transformation takes some time,” he said.
Dr. Ranathunga further said that their duty was to coordinate and help prevent such issues happening in the future.
Thus the much discussed issue is beginning to see a happy ending, but it has also taught a lesson of how far the Sri Lankan society needs to go, when it comes to sensible thinking and becoming free of old attitudes.
