Child Rights advocate requests AG to provide legal support for child victim

Law abiding citizens of Sri Lanka and advocates of child rights strongly urge the AG to provide support by appointing a competent  Senior Counsel for child victim  

In a letter addressed to the Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, Stop Child Cruelty Trust Chairperson Dr. Tush Wickramanayaka has urged to appoint a senior counsel on behalf of the child victim of Case No. Anu/MCI/PC/22424/26-B at Anuradhapura Magistrate Court at the next court date on May 22, 2026.

“As you know, this case has resulted in a strong public outcry against what appears to be the lethargy in delivering justice to the child victim and the partiality of law enforcement towards the main suspect. Furthermore, about thirty lawyers appeared in defence of the main suspect, Pallegama Hemarathana Thera on 12th and 15th May 2026 at Anuradhapura Magistrate Court. This is an unprecedented show of power, intimidation and mental abuse of the victim and witnesses of a child abuse case by the legal fraternity of Sri Lanka. There was no legal Counsel present for the child victim,” the letter read.

“As the agent of the upper guardian of the State, you as the Attorney General has an unmissable duty of care and accountability to protect the child victim and act swiftly in the best interest of the child.” 

We look forward to your courageous decision in this historic case that has tugged the hearts of thousands of citizens in support of the innocent young victim. 

As law abiding citizens of Sri Lanka and advocates of child rights, we strongly urge you to provide legal support by appointing a competent Senior Counsel for the child victim immediately,” the letter further stated.