The death of a 16-year-old upcountry girl at the house of a former minister and Member of Parliament Rishad Bathiudeen, has sparked questions on the safety of children and women in Sri Lanka.
The teenage girl Ishalini who worked as a housemaid at MP’s house died after being hospitalised. She was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital on 3 July with severe burn injuries and passed away on 15 July. The medical examination revealed that the girl had been subjected to prolonged sexual abuse.
In the wake of this incident, a protest was held in Vavuniya, Northern Province today to seek justice for the family of Ishalini.
In the protest that happened in front of the Vavuniya old bus stand, the protesters raised slogans against child abuse and sexual and domestic violence. The protestors also questioned the practice of hiring child labour.
