Outrage in Sri Lanka after schoolgirl’s suicide; PM says society has ‘failed’

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya told parliament Friday that the country had “failed as a society” after a 13-year-old schoolgirl reportedly took her own life following an alleged sexual assault by a teacher.

“If a 13-year-old child decides to end her life like this, it means we have failed as a society,” Harini said, addressing lawmakers during a tense session.

The incident, which took place at Ramanathan Hindu Ladies’ College in Bambalapitiya, Colombo, has sparked widespread outrage on social media and beyond. Critics have accused the government of failing to act decisively in response to the allegations.

The teacher accused of assault was transferred to another school — a move condemned across platforms and met with protests at the new location.

Opposition members raised the issue in parliament on both Thursday and Friday. The government, in response, urged caution, citing the sensitivity of a case involving a minor.

Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj told parliament that she had requested the victim’s parents to file a formal complaint with the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), but said no complaint had been submitted as of Thursday. Her comments have drawn fierce criticism.

Government officials also accused the opposition of attempting to politicise the tragedy for electoral gain.