Colombo: controversy over the use of children in the election campaign

A number of complaints have been made about the use of minors in propaganda for the 21 September vote. A worrying phenomenon in a country already plagued by serious problems on issues such as child abuse. Sr. Deepa Fernando: ‘Sri Lanka does not have a national framework for child protection: more attention and assistance is needed’.

Colombo (AsiaNews) - The National Movement for the Protection of Children has filed a complaint with the Election Commission, asking it to take legal action against those who involve children in propaganda and campaigning ahead of the crucial 21 September election.

The Movement's president, Priyantha Herath, said that despite having earlier filed a complaint with the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) stating that there is no legal basis for involving children in election campaigns or advertisements, the NCPA has not taken any action so far. The election watchdogs have also urged all political parties not to use children in election activities.

According to Manjula Gajanayake, executive director of the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES), videos and photos are circulating on social media showing children campaigning for political parties.

Commenting on the issue, Election Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake confirmed that the Commission has received numerous complaints of such incidents. He added that ‘the National Child Protection Authority should play a key role in addressing these issues’.

This election controversy touches a country where there are serious problems with the condition of children. In recent days, for example, there has been news of an escalation in the number of reports of child abuse in the district of Anuradhapura: 491 cases have been collected in the last six months. And it is feared that these cases may only be the tip of the iceberg, with many other cases of violence going unreported.

Children with physical or mental disabilities are most at risk: essential services for them in many areas are inaccessible or completely absent. Many communities are unable to identify and respond to the needs of these children in a timely manner and do not have adequate parenting support programmes to provide the support network they and their families need.

Sr. Deepa Fernando, Former Principal of a Leading Catholic school and co-coordinator of the Movement of Christian Women's Voice (MCWV), comments to AsiaNews: ‘Unfortunately, Sri Lanka does not have a national child protection framework.

To ensure adequate responses to the problem Sri Lanka would need more personnel dedicated to this task. More engagement with children, families and schools should be encouraged. And above all, much more attention and assistance should be given to children who have been victims'.