Solve child abuse cases in secular framework, urges UNP

The United National Party (UNP) has called for broader national action to address child abuse, warning against attempts to frame the issue as being confined solely to religious institutions.

Issuing a special statement on the issue, UNP urged authorities not to “silo” or politicise the issue along religious lines as child abuse is a wider societal problem.

It called on the government to hold inclusive consultations with all relevant stakeholders to strengthen existing child protection laws.

Referring to a recent newspaper editorial on child ordinations, the UNP argued that such practices are linked to economic hardship faced by vulnerable families.

"The government must immediately focus on establishing a strongly-regulated and closely-monitored social services which will be able to provide the protection and support for such families," the party reiterated.

Separately, the UNP added that any proposed reforms relating to the Sangha should not be determined unilaterally by political actors.

"This will allow for the drafting of strategic and sensible reforms within the religious blocs," the UNP pointed out in the statement.

The UNP further emphasised that reform discussions should not be limited to a single religion, noting that similar attention should be given to broader legal and institutional reforms across all communities, including proposed amendments to the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act.