News Today: Schoolgirl Suicide Case

New information has emerged regarding the Kotahena schoolgirl who recently died by suicide, revealing disturbing institutional negligence that followed her traumatic experience.

Speaking during a special media briefing, the mother stated her daughter, a GCE O/L candidate, was sexually abused by a male teacher at her previous school in Bambalapitiya. After medical confirmation, the Police were notified and a statement was recorded. The suspect was arrested—but then granted bail. No further updates were provided, and the teacher remains at the school.

The child was transferred to a school in Kotahena, where teachers were reportedly supportive. However, the situation escalated again at a private tuition institute. There, an official publicly humiliated her in front of peers, revealing sensitive information and falsely stating she was involved in a Police case. The resulting trauma and social isolation left her devastated.

Her mother explained the emotional toll: the child cried, questioned why she was being treated as the guilty party, and expressed her pain at being ostracized for something she didn’t do.

The Police case was not followed up. The Education Ministry offered no support. The accused continued teaching. No one checked in—not even after the incident at the tuition class.

At the media briefing, Ceylon Teachers’ Union General Secretary Joseph Stalin condemned the Ministry of Education for its silence. He emphasized their legal responsibility to investigate such incidents, especially when reported from state schools. Stalin criticized the lack of response until it was too late.

He urged immediate action: a thorough investigation, legal consequences for those responsible, and structural reforms to prevent future tragedies. The CTU has formally requested that the Acting IGP launch a full investigation.