Former Colombo Mayor and former Member of Parliament Rosy Senanayake has issued a powerful open letter calling for urgent action to address what she describes as a worsening child protection crisis in Sri Lanka.

Addressing both local and international authorities, Senanayake warned that a nation unable to protect its children and vulnerable communities risks becoming a morally diminished society, regardless of its achievements in other areas.

Expressing deep concern over recent reports of child abuse, exploitation, and violence, she said the country must confront the painful reality that many children continue to face serious threats to their safety and wellbeing.

Senanayake highlighted the erosion of traditional community values, where children were once collectively protected, and pointed to economic hardship, family breakdowns, and the influence of unregulated technology as factors increasing children’s vulnerability.

She also criticized what she described as systemic failures within child protection institutions, alleging that many cases receive attention only when amplified by media coverage, while countless others remain unresolved.

Calling for immediate reforms, Senanayake urged authorities to strengthen the implementation of child protection policies at the grassroots level, improve coordination among government agencies, and accelerate the handling of thousands of child abuse cases currently pending before the courts.

She stressed that delays in the justice system often leave victims waiting years for justice, while perpetrators continue to evade accountability.

Concluding her appeal, Senanayake called on both the international community and Sri Lankan citizens to act decisively, warning that silence in the face of child abuse only empowers those responsible and puts more innocent lives at risk.