The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has requested police to conduct an investigation into remarks made by former Minister, Dilum Amunugama during a recent media briefing, alleging that the comments caused harm to a minor linked to an ongoing child abuse case.

In a letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police dated Thursday (21), the ministry stated that statements made by Amunugama appeared to relate to a child abuse case currently under investigation and before court.

The ministry specifically objected to a statement in which Amunugama allegedly said, “An Atamasthanadhipathi Thero was arrested based on the statement of a prostitute.”

According to the letter, the remark was viewed as causing serious prejudice to the minor girl involved in the case, who is identified as a victim and witness in ongoing court proceedings.

It was noted that the statement could amount to an offence under provisions of the Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act No. 10 of 2023.

In a separate statement, the ministry said complaints had been received regarding what it described as verbal abuse directed at a child currently under state protection.

The ministry added that the girl remains under medical supervision and monitoring by the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), and requested both police and the NCPA to take immediate legal action.

Authorities also urged media organisations and social media users to refrain from further circulating the related video in order to prevent the child from being retraumatised. (Newswire)

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