Sri Lanka’s education system indicted after a 15-year-old abuse victim commits suicide
Hundreds of people rallied demanding justice for Amshika who took her own life after “months of official neglect and public shaming”. A teacher accused in connection with the affair was later released. A political cover-up is suspected. The story is highlighting the shortcomings of Sri Lanka’s education system, as well as the pervasiveness of gender-based violence.
Colombo (AsiaNews) – Hundreds of students and parents have been protesting in Colombo in the past few days, demanding justice for 15-year-old Amshika, a student at the Ramanathan Hindu Ladies' College, Bambalapitiya District.
The young woman committed suicide on 29 April after months of neglect and public shaming, according to the family. She was preparing for ordinary level exams when, in October 2024, her math teacher allegedly sexually abused her.
On 4 May, her parents held a press conference, accusing the school teacher and a tutor (tuition teacher) of contributing to their daughter's death. On 8 May, protests were held in three places to demand justice: near the Kotahena residential complex, outside the girl’s school in Bambalapitiya, and near the place where she took private lessons.
According to analysts, the student's suicide highlights the shortcomings of Sri Lanka’s education system, as well as the pervasiveness of gender-based violence.
Shortcomings include the failures of law enforcement authorities, the political protection of perpetrators, and the lack of a clear protocol to safeguard child victims of violence.
In addition, government ministers have made conflicting statements about the handling of the case, while questions are multiplying about institutional negligence and the alleged actions that have politicised the case.
The young woman committed suicide at her home in Kotahena. The mother said that the emotional weight and public shaming made her daughter feel isolated. The 15-year-old left a letter in which she names the alleged abuser and describes the circumstances that led to her death.
According to the Police Media Division, a complaint was filed on 8 December 2024, which was followed by the teacher’s arrest on 8 January 2025. The latter was brought before the Hulftsdorp Magistrate’s Court, remanded until 10 January, and released on bail with a ban on travel. The next court hearing is scheduled for next Monday.
Government and opposition members had heated exchanges in Parliament over the issue. Some MPS emphasised the necessity for the perpetrators of the two separate incidents to be brought before the law, to mete out justice for the victim and her family.
The teacher was transferred after public protests last Wednesday after the school principal suggested that the parents move their daughter to another school, instead of taking appropriate action against the perpetrator.
According to the investigation, the young woman had reported the incident in October last year. Due to the psychological consequences related to the violence she suffered, she had sought counselling, and began to attend another institution.
Later, a tutor in a class that she attended, a friend of the abusive math teacher, allegedly humiliated her in front of the other students, telling her: “Amshika, you are banned from entering this class.”
Her relatives and neighbours Suhashini Pathmarajah, Vadivel Arulaih and Sylvester Ravichnadrarajah told to AsiaNews that “Amshika experienced mental agony over this incident, which had apparently led to her decision to end her life. We need justice. This may happen to any child.”
They added: “We want the authorities to immediately terminate the perpetrator’s services and arrest him. He is not fit to be a teacher. We blame the school principal and the staff as they are shielding the alleged perpetrator and failed to take necessary action.”
Last week, the chairman of the Sri Lanka Teachers' Services Union, Priyantha Fernando, spoke at a media briefing in Colombo about the case.
“Who is protecting the owner of the tuition class and the school teacher involved in this incident? There are photos where this person has posed with key figures in the government,” he said. “We are calling on everyone to raise their voice in this situation. Otherwise, child abuse and sexual violence will shortly be daily occurrences in this country.”
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