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Effectiveness of 1929 child helpline in managing complaints on child abuse in Sri Lanka
(International Conference on Child Protection 2025, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2025) Abeykoon, A. M. S. J.; Perera, C.; Dunuwila, D. H. D. C.
Background: The 1929 toll-free child helpline established by Sri Lanka's National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) under Act No. 50 of 1998 was operational since 2010 and functions as a trilingual, 24-hour service designed to facilitate convenient reporting of child abuse cases by children and the general public, in accordance with NCPA's statutory mandate. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness and impact of the 1929 helpline in responding to child abuse complaints, its accessibility and responsiveness in a child-friendly manner. Method: The study assesses the efficacy of the 1929 toll-free child helpline reporting mechanism through a comprehensive analysis of complaint data collected over a three-year period from 2022 to 2024. The study utilizes secondary data already available within the NCPA database, ensuring national coverage and validity of the information collected under the statutory mandate of the NCPA. The methodology involves examining multiple dimensions of the complaints received, including: Geographical distribution patterns of reported cases across districts, gender-based reporting tendencies, nature of reported offenses and victim age demographics. Results: The total number of child protection complaints reported to the NCPA was 10,497 in 2022, 9,436 in 2023, and 8,192 in 2024. Colombo district consistently recorded the highest number of child protection complaints within the three years of 2022, 2023, and 2024. The age group of 11 to 15 years consistently recorded the highest number of child protection complaints. Further, the highest number of child protection complaints consistently involved female victims. When analyzing complainants' expectations, it is evident that most have already filed a complaint with the police but still approach the NCPA because they expect the NCPA to actively monitor and follow up on the progress of their cases. Complaints have been received in all three official languages and submitted throughout the day. The helpline's capacity to accept anonymous reports has facilitated documentation of numerous previously unreported incidents, effectively addressing a critical gap in the child protection reporting ecosystem. Conclusions: The 1929 toll-free child helpline, established by Sri Lanka's National Child Protection Authority, has proven to be an effective and accessible mechanism for reporting child abuse cases across the country. Operating as a trilingual, 24-hour service, the helpline has facilitated convenient and child-friendly reporting, capturing a wide range of complaints over the three-year period from 2022 to 2024. Overall, the 1929 helpline remains a key pillar in Sri Lanka's child protection framework, supporting timely intervention and safeguarding vulnerable children nationwide.
Analysis of crimes against children in Kurunegala police jurisdiction in Sri Lanka
(International Conference on Child Protection 2025, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2025) Kitulwatte, S. C.; Kitulwatte, I. D. G.; Meshel, D. S. S.; Gamage, W. G. E. P.; Perera, A. S. T. C.; Samarakoon, K. G. C. S.
Background: Despite increased awareness and reformed legislation regarding child protection efforts, there is a clear rise in child abuse and mortality in today's society. In Sri Lanka, especially, crimes against children are a topic that is very infrequently canvassed. This study was aimed to analyze the characteristics of contemporary crimes against children in Kurunegala police area so as to devise better measures to protect our children. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted based on the crimes reported to Kurunegala Police jurisdiction during the years 2019-2023. Results: Over the 6-year time period that was considered, there was a recorded total of 166 crimes against children, that showed a promising albeit inconsistent downward trend over the years. The commonest reported crime was rape (28%) with sexual abuse (26%) a close second. Notably, crimes were commoner at home (25%) and perpetrated by known people (lovers: 47%, family relatives: 23%). Children in the 6-10-year age cohort were most vulnerable (33%) with 11-15-year-olds (30%) a close second. With regards to the suspects of these crimes, majority 28% were within 20-25 years of age, but interestingly, 26% were below the age of 20 and many minors themselves. 46% of suspects were unemployed; 93% had no past criminal record. Conclusions: This study unearths some interesting premises: firstly, that despite society's belief that a child is safer at home with their nearest and dearest, perhaps children should be better protected among more familiar environments and people rather than unfamiliar ones ; secondly, better reforms should be devised to predict likely perpetrators as current efforts based on past criminal records seem grossly inadequate ; and thirdly, children themselves should be better educated regarding what constitutes a 'crime' and better values instilled in them in order to prevent them from becoming perpetrators themselves.
Enhancing communication skills through group-based oral presentations: A study of English as a second language learners in Sri Lanka
(International Conference on Child Protection 2025, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2025) Wijesooriya, S. R.
Background: Group Oral Presentations (GOPs) are a formative assessment tool used to develop communication skills among ESL learners. This study examined the effectiveness of GOPs among Sri Lankan students across primary, secondary, and university levels, with a focus on gender differences in participation, engagement, and communication skill development. It also explored teacher and student perceptions, challenges, and the impact of GOPs within gender contexts15. Method: A mixed-methods design collected quantitative data through questionnaires from 365 students (175 female and 190 male) and 25 teachers. Qualitative data were gathered via semi-structured interviews. Statistical analyses included examining gender-based differences in engagement and performance. Thematic analysis of interview data considered gender-related observations and challenges. Results: Both male and female students and teachers reported positive perceptions of GOPs, noting improvements in confidence, collaboration, and language proficiency. Female students tended to report slightly higher engagement and communication gains during GOP sessions than male students. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between GOP engagement and academic performance for both genders, particularly among secondary and university levels (r=0.42$; $P=0.003). However, teachers noted gender-specific challenges, such as differences in participation styles; female students were more collaborative, while male students showed more competitive tendencies. These differences influenced group dynamics and were more evident in classrooms with mixed-gender groups. Long-serving teachers highlighted challenges in managing these dynamics, whereas newly appointed teachers were more proactive in fostering inclusive participation. Conclusions: The GOPs effectively enhance ESL communication skills while highlighting important gender-related dynamics. Integrating GOPs regularly, alongside teacher training to address gender-specific classroom behaviors and promote inclusive engagement, can maximize their benefits. Encouraging collaboration between experienced and newer teachers will support gender-sensitive and innovative pedagogical practices.
Study on the challenges affecting the legal process for child victims in the criminal justice system in Sri Lanka
(International Conference on Child Protection 2025, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2025) Wijesiri, U. K. R. S. P.; Abykoon, A. M. S. J.; Dunuwila, D. H. D. C.
Background: Children are considered the future of a country, and it is a general acceptance that it is the responsibility of a country to ensure the best interest of its children. A child requires adult assistance to maintain their personal life, and a child is defined as someone under the age of 18 according to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989. Although this age limit varies with various laws in Sri Lanka, actions are carried out based on common acceptance. The process of children becoming victims and their subsequent victimization has become a major challenge to prevent and control. The main research problem of this study was to identify the challenges affecting the legal process in the criminal justice system for child victims in Sri Lanka. Method: Information is being gathered by studying ten ongoing child abuse cases and through conducting interviews with 25 officials involved in the child justice process, while both primary and secondary sources are utilized to gather qualitative and quantitative data. Results: Challenges such as delays in court proceedings, errors in filing cases, delays in sentencing the accused, re-victimization of children during the hearing, non-priority of recording of video evidence or taking evidence from online, failure to updated laws and failure to recognize the relevant legal provisions in prosecuting, neglecting the psychological assessment concerns of the child victims and absence of child-friendly court proceedings and environment were identified here. Furthermore, critical issues have arisen concerning the protection, welfare, education, and vocational training of children, who are in conflict with the law and placed in probation or detention homes, as these matters are not being implemented in a transparent and systematic manner. Conclusion: The study revealed that there is lack of the commitment, trust, consensus, cooperation and coordination among the institutions involved in child related matters and if these factors are properly implemented it would lead to greater effectiveness. Regulating media handling of children and child abuse cases is crucial, and the disclosure of identities and media reporting presents significant challenges. Given the general public's minimal understanding and awareness of child justice processes and legal backgrounds, addressing these challenges with swift solutions has become an urgent necessity.
Psychological impact of Grade Five Scholarship examination in Sri Lanka on students: A preliminary study
(International Conference on Child Protection 2025, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2025) Fernando, L. C. N.
Background: The Sri Lanka Scholarship Examination is a highly competitive assessment that significantly affects students' future educational opportunities. Despite the aim of providing equitable access to quality education, concerns have arisen about its impact on children's mental well-being. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the causes of mental stress experienced by students preparing for the examination, to examine the role of parental and societal expectations in shaping students' mental well-being, and to assess the effectiveness of current policies in reducing stress-related problems. Method: A mixed methodology was adopted, and quantitative survey data was obtained from sixty students who sat for the examination in three schools in the Mathugama Divisional Secretariat Division of Kalutara District, while qualitative interviews were conducted with six parents and three educators. Snowball sampling was used in selecting educators. The survey provided qualitative insights by assessing stress indicators such as sleep, agitation, and emotional distress. Results: The research findings revealed that 78% of students (n=47) experienced moderate to high levels of stress, with high parental expectations and social pressure also contributing to this. About 65% of students (n=39) reported high academic pressure at home. According to educators, this stressful situation is compounded by the competitive education system and the pressure to be among the best students. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for policy reforms, including economic management interventions and curriculum adjustments, to create a more balanced learning environment. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensure that the scholarship system does not harm children's mental health and serves its purpose.