In a landmark step to strengthen child protection, the Ministries of Justice and Women & Child Affairs, with support from the EU and UNICEF, unveiled a transformative child-friendly justice model in Kandy.
The initiative introduces a coordinated, child-sensitive system—from reporting violence to sustained care—addressing long-standing gaps in Sri Lanka’s justice and protection framework.
Key reforms include an upgraded 1929 Child Helpline, integrated case management, faster justice processes, stronger child support services, improved testimony practices, and child-friendly courts.
A major innovation is the new High Court facility in Kandy, where children can testify via modern audio-visual technology from a separate, safe room, reducing trauma and operationalizing recent legal reforms.
“This is a turning point for Sri Lanka’s justice system,” said Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, while Women & Children’s Affairs Minister Saroja Paulraj emphasized the coordinated, child-centered approach.
EU Ambassador Carmen Moreno and UNICEF’s Emma Brigham hailed the model as a milestone in turning global commitments into tangible protections for children.
The launch fulfills part of Sri Lanka’s National Policy Framework and international pledges, setting a new standard for safeguarding children’s rights and dignity (lkpost.lk)
