Sri Lankan doctor reveals abuse cases

A doctor in Sri Lanka revealed Tuesday that six girls below the age of 10 have been brought to his hospital recently, all of them raped by their fathers.

He said that no family’s home in the country can be considered safe from child abuse.

Doctor H.M.P. Herath made the revelation to a conference on child abuse, sexual harassment and drug abuse, in Marawila, Sri Lankaon June 15.

Parish priest Father Felix Colombage told the conference that “drugs, alcohol and people forsaking their responsibilities and religions are piling sin upon sin.”

He attributes the situation to the war in Sri Lanka, where “cruelty and corruption almost boggled the mind.” Since then, parents have been forced to leave children at home while they work and many mothers have taken Middle East domestic jobs.

Against this background, drug and alcohol abuse in coastal areas such as Marawila are increasing.

“Parents are lacking in knowledge on these issues,” said Kanthi Asoka, a senior probation officer, who also confirmed that drug addiction was highest in coastal towns. “Parents should change their life styles and be an example. Consuming alcohol and cigarettes and indecent behavior are not good values to teach children.”

The conference was organized by the St. Mary’s Elders Society, a group that promotes the value of senior citizens and draws on their knowledge and experience for social improvement.

“Child abuse, sexual harassment and drug abuse are pressing issues in Sri Lankan society which must be addressed,” said its president Dayananda Wedamulla. - (UCAN News)

Photo caption: H.M.P. Herath makes a point during the conference on child abuse