A philosophical study on the factors contributing to the prevalence of child abuse in the 'Waadi' culture of cinnamon peelers, based on complaints in the Kamburupitiya police area

Abstract

Background: Child abuse is a broad issue discussed in Sri Lanka as well as globally. Treating or acting in a way that causes harm to children is considered child abuse. Especially in the current Sri Lankan society, child abuse occurs frequently in various cultural contexts, and there is a trend of this associated with the 'Waadi' culture of cinnamon peelers. This research is conducted with the aim of studying the factors contributing to the prevalence of child abuse associated with the 'Waadi' culture of cinnamon peelers. Method: A mixed methodology was used here. Accordingly, primary data through interviews, and 20 complaints selected under random sampling regarding child abuse related to several selected Grama Niladhari Divisions in the Kamburupitiya police area during the years (2023, 2024) were used as secondary data. Results: In the data analysis received in the study, it became clear that psycho-fundamental reasons, such as the unique aroma of cinnamon stimulating sexual desires, have strongly contributed to the prevalence of child abuse in this cultural background. Furthermore, it was revealed that children have been subjected to physical, mental, and sexual abuse due to reasons such as heavy drug use by people in the area, parents' lack of education, the mother being abroad, children not being properly socialized, and stopping children's education to engage in jobs . Conclusion: Accordingly, it was confirmed in this study that certain weaknesses in their family environment, socio-cultural factors, as well as individual mentalities have caused the increase in child abuse. Proper socialization of children, organizing sexual education programs, empowering self-protection, and building a strong family environment were proposed through the study as measures to further reduce this situation. Thus, this study reveals the importance of building a suitable social background for children.