The Anuradhapura girl's verdict will scrutinize the entire Sri Lankan criminal justice system.

The National Women's Commission, issuing a special statement, states that the alleged sexual abuse incident against a child in the Anuradhapura area is not merely limited to one case, but rather an instance that tests how the entire Sri Lankan criminal justice system handles vulnerable children, as well as its ability to uphold justice and equality. The Commission has strongly emphasized the importance of delivering justice through an independent and impartial investigation, to prevent the victim child from being blamed again by society or the law.

The Commission, while evaluating the steps taken so far by the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) to ensure the child's safety in relation to this incident, points out that a special responsibility is placed on the Sri Lanka Police and the Child Protection Authority in the upcoming legal process. Especially in a context where parents or guardians are unable to advocate for the child's best interests, the Commission is of the view that providing independent legal representation to advocate for the child's rights is essential.

Any child who is subjected to abuse has the right to equal treatment before the law and to seek justice with dignity, and this is affirmed by Articles 12(1) and 27(13) of the Sri Lankan Constitution, as well as through the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Furthermore, in accordance with Article 24 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Article 5 of the 2007 ICCPR Act, children have the right to receive government legal aid without discrimination, and that the child's best interests must be given priority in all decisions concerning children, the statement further indicates.

The Women's Commission requests the Child Protection Authority to continuously provide psychosocial and legal protection to the child, preventing further psychological trauma, intimidation, or public exposure. Furthermore, the Commission informs the Police to conduct a transparent investigation free from any external influence, and also points out the importance of acting in accordance with the Victims of Crime and Witnesses Protection Act No. 10 of 2023. Under this Act, they propose that the fundamental rights of victims should be protected through measures such as obtaining evidence via audio-visual means, utilizing female medical practitioners for medical examinations, and deploying the maximum number of female officers for investigative duties.

Considering the extremely sensitive nature of the incident, the Commission emphasizes that the entire investigation process should be under the full supervision of the Attorney General's Department for the child's safety and well-being. Furthermore, a strong request has been made to all media institutions, public figures, and the general public to completely refrain from disclosing information that could harm the child's future, privacy, and dignity. The statement further mentions that the National Women's Commission will continuously monitor the developments of this case in collaboration with relevant state and civil institutions for the protection of women and girls.