“31 Lankan rights groups demand an end to child labor, trafficking and sexual exploitation”, 23 July 2021.

Thirty one Sri Lankan human rights organization and civil society groups have jointly released a statement demanding an end to impunity on child labor, trafficking, and sexual exploitation following the suspected rape and murder of an underage female domestic in a lawmaker’s Colombo residence recently.

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According to the Employment of Women, Young Persons, And Children Act (No. 47 of 1956) of Sri Lanka, children aged between 16 – 18 can be employed for a common good. But before so employing children between the age of 16 -18, the Labor Commissioner should be informed of the reason. Further, the law says that no one can employ a child in such a manner as to prevent the child from attending school.

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An effective mechanism should be developed within the legal framework to inquire about cases involving children and to establish procedures to ensure the sentencing of offenders expeditiously. Officers who neglect their duties must also be brought to book. A strong victim and witness protection mechanism should be installed in every district.