Teachers’ Union slams Minister over comments on Kotahena schoolgirl’s death

The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) has strongly criticized Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj for remarks she made in Parliament regarding the tragic death of a Grade 10 student in Kotahena.

CTU Secretary Joseph Stalin condemned the Minister’s suggestion that the girl’s parents had not come forward to meet her or submit a petition, questioning the need for such steps in a case involving a child’s death.

“The girl has died. Nobody should go to anyone. When it is a case concerning a child, one complaint is enough,” Stalin said, referring to a complaint reportedly made by the Judicial Medical Officer. 

He further alleged that the school principal had failed to take appropriate action and had instead tried to suppress the matter.

Responding to queries about potential political interference in the investigation, Stalin stated that the union had received assurances that the probe would be conducted independently despite reports that the accused teacher has ties to the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) party.

In Parliament, Minister Paulraj had expressed concern that the victim’s parents had neither met with her nor submitted a formal complaint, and noted that the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) had yet to receive a report, despite her request.