The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has launched an investigation into the recent suicide of a schoolgirl in Kotahena, following serious allegations of sexual abuse involving a teacher.

The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs stated that the probe is being conducted in collaboration with the Police Children and Women Bureau. Although the NCPA had not initially received a complaint from the victim’s family, her parents have now been asked to provide a formal statement today.

It has been revealed that the girl’s parents had lodged a complaint against the suspect teacher on 8 December 2024, alleging sexual abuse. The teacher was subsequently arrested and released on bail, with a foreign travel ban imposed. The case is currently being heard under number 34205/03/25 at the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.

The NCPA has also requested a written report from the Secretary to the Ministry of Education regarding the disciplinary action taken—or intended to be taken—against the accused teacher.

In a further disturbing development, it is alleged that the school failed to respond appropriately to the initial complaint, which reportedly compelled the girl to withdraw from the school and seek admission elsewhere. However, another teacher from the previous school allegedly disclosed the incident to other students during a tuition class, further contributing to the distress faced by the victim.

(To make complaints at the NCPA dial 1929 – the hotline of the authority)

(To seek mental health assistance dial 1926 – the hotline of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Angoda)