Child-friendly court system launched in Sri Lanka

Children can now testify from a separate, age-appropriate room inside the Court using modern audio-visual technology, protecting them from direct confrontation with perpetrators and reducing trauma  

Sri Lanka yesterday introduced its first child-friendly court facilities in the Kandy High Court, aimed at protecting children who have experienced violence from direct confrontation with perpetrators during legal proceedings.   

The initiative, equipped with modern audio-visual technology and age-appropriate refurbishments, allows child witnesses to testify from a separate room within court premises. It operationalises recent amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, passed in June 2025, and is part of a wider model service to strengthen justice and protection for child victims of violence, a joint press released stated.    

The new service was launched jointly by the Ministry of Justice and National Integration and the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, with support from the European Union through UNICEF.  

 It introduces six flagship reforms, including an enhanced 1929 Child Helpline, integrated case management, stronger support services for children, streamlined justice processes, improved evidence-taking practices, and the establishment of child-friendly courts across the country.   

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara called the move a turning point in the justice system. “These services will ensure that children will have a voice in court without fear, protected by law, supported by technology, and treated with dignity. This is an important step towards specializing high courts for children,” he said.   

The European Union is backing the reforms under the Support to Justice Sector Project (JURE). EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Carmen Moreno, noted: “Violence against children remains a serious concern and demands immediate action. The EU and UNICEF partnership has been instrumental in translating the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment into action. Today sets in motion a model of child-friendly services that will assist and support child victims of violence and bring them justice.”   

UNICEF Sri Lanka Representative Emma Brigham said the reforms translate global commitments into meaningful change. “A holistic, coordinated, and child-centered system – one that integrates both protection and justice – ensures that children are safeguarded and supported to restore their lives. We welcome this transformative approach and look forward to seeing the roll-out of such services across the country,” Brigham said.  The model service represents a landmark in Sri Lanka’s efforts to meet national and international policy commitments, including pledges made at the 2024 Bogotá Conference on Ending Violence Against Children.