Child abuse, the scourge of society

by Ingiriya Central Group - Priyadarshani Kahawala

"It is the responsibility of one and all put an end to child abuse, and harassment of women", said Child Development and Women's Affairs Minister Tissa Karaliadda who participated in a program to discuss children's and women's problems in Ingiriya and the Horana Divisional Secretariat zones.

The program was held at the Ingiriya Divisional Secretariat Auditorium with the participation of several resource personnel. It focused attention on women and child abuse. Resource persons stressed the importance of containing the harassment of women and children who are family members.

The Minister said "This is my first time I have participated in a programme held at the Divisional Secretarial level. No one likes one's family members being harassed. Such harassments are very often reported in the newspapers and other media. Negligence, cruelty and poverty have been identified as underlying reasons."We can't reform the society one hundred percent. People have to control their emotions and refrain themselves from evil thoughts. The suspects are eventually dealt with according to the law.

Other departments such as education, health, police, legal etc. wish to join my Ministry to launch and awareness campaign to protect children and women." he said.The Kalutara District Parliamentarian Vidura Wickramayaka said today the society is not moving ahead. Women are not safe even in buses or trains. There is no use of talking about women's rights in public platforms. Everything cannot be controlled by law since the law too has it's limit.

Several resource persons from Ingiriya and Horana police stations and divisional secretariats, Medical office, Ingiriya, National Children Protection Authority, National Women's Board, Horana Pradeshiya Sabha, Horana Urban Council participated.