Serious criticism has emerged regarding a statement made by Minister of Women, Child Affairs, and Social Empowerment, Saroja Paulraj, in connection with the suicide of a schoolgirl from Grade 10 of the Ramanathan Hindu Ladies’ College in Bambalapitiya, Colombo. The child had reportedly taken her own life following severe mental trauma caused by sexual abuse allegedly committed by a teacher at the same school.

During a parliamentary session yesterday (8 May), MP Mano Ganesan questioned the minister about the incident. He alleged that there may be an attempt to suppress the case because the accused teacher is reportedly the North Colombo organiser of the National People’s Power (NPP).

“This group is not lawless—they’re the ones who ask for justice. But here, a 15-year-old girl was abused. Though the teacher was arrested, he was later released on bail. The girl was transferred to another school, and months later, a tuition teacher humiliated her. Emotionally broken, she took her own life. The teacher involved in this abuse is from your party and holds a key organising position in North Colombo. So now there is serious suspicion that the case is being buried,” Ganesan said.

In response, Minister Paulraj stated that she had instructed the parents to file a complaint with the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) and to meet her with a formal petition.

“I have obtained the JMO (Judicial Medical Officer) report related to the abuse allegation. I told them to go to the Child Protection Authority and also asked the parents to meet me with a written petition. They haven’t come yet. Justice cannot be served through social media. You can’t take the law into your own hands to seek answers. So I’m urging everyone to act within the legal framework,” the minister said.

Although Minister Paulraj stated that complaints regarding this incident have been made since December 2024, the Ministry of Education only issued a statement on the matter yesterday (8 May).

According to that statement, the teacher implicated in the abuse was immediately transferred. The ministry further noted that a police investigation report has been requested and that disciplinary action will be taken promptly once the report is received.

Full conversation between Ganesan and Paulraj:

Mano Ganesan:
Honourable Chair, I rise to draw attention to an urgent matter that concerns this Parliament and the government. A serious injustice has occurred to a student from a well-known girls’ school in South Colombo. In response, parents, former students, and social activists—people from across the political spectrum—have gathered peacefully in front of the school. They are not hooligans.

I address the Deputy Minister responsible for Police, Mr. Sunil Watagala. These are not terrorists or armed groups. They are citizens who are outraged by the injustice inflicted upon a child and are simply demanding justice. I understand that police have deployed tear gas and water cannon vehicles. I strongly urge that these not be used—these people are peaceful protesters.

Now to the incident itself: In late last year, a 15-year-old student at this school was reportedly subjected to sexual harassment. Following this, both the education department and the police conducted investigations. A teacher was arrested and later released on bail.

Unhappy with how the case was handled, the child’s parents transferred her to another school in North Colombo. While attending a private tuition class in the same area, she was reportedly repeatedly humiliated by the founder of that institute, who alluded to her previous trauma. As a result of this sustained emotional distress, the girl died by suicide, jumping from the seventh floor of her apartment building.

Today, a large group of protestors marched from Kotahena, stopping first at the tuition centre, then the child’s home, and finally arriving at the original school to protest. Education officials reportedly dismissed the matter as one for the national—not provincial—authorities. This is absurd. There are no functioning provincial councils now. The government must take responsibility and launch an immediate investigation.

I have deliberately refrained from naming the child, her parents, or the schools involved, out of respect. But I must point out that the head of the private institute where the second incident occurred is reportedly affiliated with your party(NPP)—he serves as its Colombo – North organiser. This raises legitimate concerns about political interference.

I urge the government to establish an independent committee of police and education officials to investigate without delay and without political pressure. We cannot undo the loss of this young life, but we can ensure justice—and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Thousands are protesting, even in the rain, not because they seek conflict, but because they seek justice. I speak respectfully—I did not politicise this issue during the election just days ago, though I could have. I trust the government will respond with the same sense of justice and integrity.

Minister Saroja Paulraj:

Thank you. Regarding this incident: since the student’s death on 29 April, we have initiated a thorough investigation and reviewed all documentation. The original incident reportedly occurred in December 2024.

We found that the student had received psychiatric treatment and that a Judicial Medical Officer’s report was submitted concerning the harassment claims. We have compiled a full file detailing her academic background, social context, and abilities.

I personally invited the parents to visit the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) on the 5th to file a formal complaint, but they have not yet done so. Similarly, during today’s protest, they were expected to submit a petition to the Ministry of Education or our Ministry, but again, they did not appear.

Justice cannot be pursued solely on Facebook or social media. Legal action requires official engagement with the relevant authorities. If we allow social media or community groups to bypass due process, there will be no rule of law.

We remain committed to ensuring justice, but it must happen through appropriate legal channels.

Mano Ganesan:

I am disappointed by the Minister’s response. The parents are grieving the loss of their 16-year-old daughter—they are in deep emotional trauma. To suggest that they haven’t come forward or filed complaints is unfair. Your Ministry should visit them, send officials or the police—don’t expect grieving parents to navigate bureaucracy.

Also, your comments suggesting the child had mental illness are deeply inappropriate and risk further humiliating her. I deliberately avoided mentioning names to protect her dignity—you should do the same. Protesting is not equivalent to taking the law into one’s own hands. Please don’t misrepresent it as such.

Minister Paulraj:

Let me clarify: I did not name the student, her school, or any individuals. The statements I made are based on documents from the police investigation.

During today’s (8 May) protest, when I asked to meet the parents, they were not present. Those protesting appeared to be other parents from the same school. That is not an issue—but justice must still be sought through legal channels.

No one should misinterpret or politicise this matter. Legal processes exist for a reason, and we must respect them.