North-East Women’s Collective Demands Justice Over Anuradhapura Minor Abuse Case

The North-East Women’s Collective staged a protest in Jaffna demanding justice for the Anuradhapura minor who was allegedly sexually abused by a Buddhist monk, insisting that religion must not be used to shield the accused from punishment.

Former coordinator of the North-East Women’s Collective, Vasuki Vallipuram, made the remarks while addressing the media during a protest held behind the Nallur Temple in Jaffna on Wednesday.

She stated that Sri Lanka’s Constitution and legal framework contain strict provisions regarding sexual abuse offences, and questioned the decision to grant bail to the Buddhist monk accused in the case involving the minor girl in Anuradhapura.

Vallipuram said the release of the suspect on bail was being viewed as a challenge to Sri Lanka’s legal system and stressed that the law must apply equally to everyone regardless of religion.

She further stated that no one should attempt to misuse or manipulate the law in the name of religion, adding that the silence of many southern civil society groups due to the involvement of a Buddhist monk was deeply concerning.

Describing the incident as a grave injustice committed against a minor in Sri Lanka, she urged the authorities to ensure that the law is properly enforced and that all relevant parties cooperate in delivering justice.

The North-East Women’s Collective also announced that written appeals regarding the matter would be sent to the President, Minister of Justice, Attorney General, Minister of Women’s Affairs, and the Inspector General of Police.

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